AND THE PLACE FOR IMAGINATIVE AMERICAN FOOD

If you haven’t dined at TGI Fridays recently then its about time you did.

Fridays first opened in Manhattan, New York in 1965 on the corner of East 63^rd Street and 1^st Avenue with flowing cocktails and charismatic bartenders making every night feel like a Friday.

One of the fist TJ Fridays to open in the UK was in 1986 in Covent Garden and oh I well remember the thrill of going into there was I was working in London around that time – I can still remember that Mississippi Mud Pie.

Over the last couple of years TJF has taken on a whole new mantle – it’s sophisticated, has a wonderful ambience and for quality and imaginative food this is a place like no other.

Spoiled for choice we decided to visit the TGI Friday’s in the heart of the Trinity Centre. From outside the eatery has taken on a very  upbeat sophisticated look.

The interior ambience is vibrant especially in the evenings and I just loved the classic American booth seating. Its comfortable and there’s plenty of room and above all gives a element of privacy.

The glowing lit up signs reminds us of their slogan ‘in here its always Friday’ giving a fun and upbeat mood to the place. But I also loved the dim lighting which creates separation between groups and is  a rather romantic, relaxing element.

I have always loved the menus at TGI Fridays but never have they been so extensive or appealing as they are now especially since the inclusion of new dishes on the menu.

We decided to start our meal with a cocktail (which are exceptionally good value at 2 for 1 all day – everyday). Fridays cocktails are world famous – they even trained Tom Cruise for his role in the film Cocktails.

My colleague chose one of the new ones AppleJack Cooler with Moose, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple and Lemonade. It was very very refreshing and the apple juice and lemonade took away the harshness of the Jack Daniels. The perfect mix he declared

I went for a Fridays’ Favourite of Margarita Rocks with a lovely sweet taste but with a real kick to it.

When it came to choosing appetizers there was no lack of choice. I opted for the Mozzarella Dippers which came with a marinara sauce. The portion was more than plentiful and they came steaming hot, each dipper was filled with plentiful Mozzarella and just made for dipping in the tasty sauce.

My colleague couldn’t resist the Garlic and Chilli King Prawns. Again it was a large portion of tasty prawns. They came beautifully presented with dressed rocket and a chilli cream dip. The dip was smooth and had a really nice flavour to it but was not overly spicey.

When it came to mains we were spoiled for choice. I decided on a half rack of Ultimate Ribs – I knew I just couldn’t manage a full one. Slow cooked and marinated the meat was so tender it just fell off the bone when I touched with the my cutlery – so no messy eating with these ribs.

I chose the Friday’s Legendary Glaze – what else and teamed with dish with a very pleasing house salad.

My colleague chose a new dish The Ultimate American Grill. This is a meat feast including 4oz grilled rump steak, grilled chicken breast, Cajun bacon chop,, half rack of classic ribs and a Fridays chicken wing coated in their legendary glaze. It came with house fries, grilled mushroom, onion rings and corn on the cob.

Although the description sounds daunting everything is so well prepared, cooked and presented it is well worth a try – its also a good dish for sharing. My colleagues verdict on this amazing selection was that everything was so tender and the various spices, glazes and cuts of meat made it a very interesting combination.

For dessert I had to go for the new Pornstar Punk Sunday and this for me was the star of my meal – the ultimate heaven on a plate

The sundae had diced pineapple pieces infused with Dead Means Fingers Passion Fruit Rum, layered with passion fruit sorbet, crushed meringue, strawberry puree and whipped cream – and there was more. It was topped with candyfloss, waffle cone and served with two shots of prosecco.

This is fast becoming a sell-out dessert and its hardly any wonder everything just mixes flavour-wise and its got some unusual exciting elements such as the candyfloss and passion fruit sorbet. But its not overly sticky, sweet or creamy. Perfection in a sundae glass.

At the end of the meal I cast my mind back to Covent Garden in the late 80’s and yes I am still as impressed as I was then.

Another plus for Friday’s is the staff – nothing is too much trouble and they really know everything about their product and are there to help.

Friday’s plus is that depending on the time of day it can be anything you want it to be. Ideal for a family meal in the daytime, a girlie lunch or later a celebration meal or even an intimate meal for two.

TJF Friday Trinity Shopping Centre

406Trinity, Albion Street, Leeds

TJF Fridays Open: Monday -Thursday 11.30 – 10.00pm; Friday 11.30-11pm; Saturday 11.00-11.00pm. Sunday 11.30-10.00pm.