I feel like I have so many things to catch up on in my personal life, like going to the dry cleaners, or going to the grocery store. A post I did a week ago shows my very clean refrigerator standing completely empty. When I awoke this morning and shuffled into the kitchen, that refrigerator was still completely empty!
As I was gathering what needed to be seen to at the cleaners, a thought occurred to me…an evil thought 😈 …that the Ciao Bella restaurant was next door to Classic Cleaners on Dock Street.
Without really losing any time, I realised that if I ordered straight away, I could have a proper meal! I had enough time before hosting Creative Work Hour. If I could pace myself, I could even take half of it home.
I know from a previous visit that Caio Bella do not stock any kind of dairy alternative milks for cappuccinos and such, so after being seated, I asked my waiter who makes the coffees at the restaurant. He said, “well that would be me.” So I asked what coffees on the menu still have milk but very little. As someone who is lactose intolerant, I can take an enzyme supplement that helps me digest dairy, as long as it’s nothing heavy weight.
For example, butter is the biggest no-no I could ingest. I’ve had trips end badly because I thought I could take the enzyme and enjoy a croissant. Ha!! For me to think that way is nothing short of delusional. But pain is the great motivator to learn to do better. 😊
Then, it was a matter of perusing the menu for something that did not have cream sauces which are usually made with cheese, cream, and the forbidden butter. I was in luck! I found a penne pasta dish with prawns 🍤 and chilli 🌶️ , so I ordered it with an Caffé Americano Caffe to kick things off.
The waiter and I had a fun exchange. He had assumed that I wouldn’t want the chilli pepper added to my dish, so rather than give him an easy out and go along with a milder version of my pasta I said, “I grew up in Texas, I was given jalapeños as lollies“
I mentioned in a post this week, that if someone asks me what I’m doing here in Leeds, I respond with, “whatever I can get away with as an American in Yorkshire.” So for me to say “lollies” instead of the more Yankee word “pacifier,” shows I know just enough British words to be dangerous.
After placing my order, the waiter came back to me with my Americano with a smile on his face. He said, “the chef and I had quite a laugh over your jalapeño lolly!” I aim to please. 😆
This is my 'Penne Mare e Monti,' with mushrooms, prawns, garlic, olive oil, and chilli 🌶️!
If you find yourself in Leeds, look for the Italian gondala blue trim at 20 Dock Street and you'll know you've arrived to a great meal served as spicy as you like it. Caio Bella Restaurant & Bar
Staying true to my original evil plan, I did bring have of my meal home. I have enjoyed it to celebrate the wrap of my first co-host episode of Hive Thrive. 🍝
For now, it's that time. :sleeping_accommodation: But before I sign off, here's my 17 HIVE Power Up for 17 February.
Much love! 🥰
Alessandra
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