A new restaurant selling Korean and Japanese-fusion dishes has opened in Leeds.
Called Oba Kitchen, you'll find it in Leeds' Merrion Centre on the Wade Lane Side. Serving up authentic Korean cuisine with some Japanese elements, this is Asian fusion at its finest.
Whilst it's not all vegan, there are some brilliant options for those on a plant-based diet with a huge selection of vegan starters, mains and sushi.
Think tofu katsu teriyaki, katsu curry and tofu steak, plus iconic Korean veggie bibimbap, toppokki (vegan rice cake with a sweet-spicy sauce) and Kinoko butter (assorted mushrooms, garlic and vegan butter).
Image: Oba Kitchen
As for the meat-eaters, there's plenty of options for you too - with dishes like ginger pork belly and flambe king scallops cooked in brandy, classic nobu style black cod miso and cumin lamb racks listed alongside the likes of bibimbap, katsu and beef steak wraps.
Enjoy alongside side dishes like Korean glass noodles. steamed rice, cold buckwheat noodles with wasabi or opt for a selection of their extensive sushi menu - which spans a huge selection of special handmade Oba rolls and nigiri.
On the drinks front, you'll find a selection of signature Korean wines like kooksoondang, shirokiku and soju served alongside Japanese plum wine.
Image: Oba Kitchen
Elsewhere, you'll find a good selection of whites, reds and sparkling wines alongside classic cocktails like espresso martinis, coconut slings and honey butter old fashioned, plus beers, spirits and ciders.
Oba Kitchen is not the only new addition to arrive at the Merrion centre, either. The shopping centre has also just welcomed a new hairdressing salon called Hair by Gordon, which specialises in cutting Asian men and women's hair.
Charles Newman, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “It’s fantastic to welcome this latest duo of businesses to the Merrion Centre and we’re confident their specialist offerings will prove popular with new and existing visitors including the increasing international student population within close proximity.
To find out more about Oba Kitchen, follow them on Instagram here.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Georgina Pellant -
17th September 2021 
