Rack & Dollar Liverpool

Rack & Dollar is a new American Inspired Restaurant and Bar near China Town in Liverpool. Located on Berry Street (Round the corner from the Bombed Out Church and down the road from the Chinese Arch) this Restaurant and Bar is deep in the heart of Liverpool's Foodie Community with competitors like Yardbird and Salt Dog Slims within a walking distance.

I am going to start by saying this before I go on to my review. I was completely blown away by this place.

As you know Lee and myself love Burgers. We literally have tried hundred's of different burgers and today Lee made a statement that I fully agree with and back up: "Best burger I have had this side of the pond!" Completely a bold statement but completely true at the same time.

First Impressions: 

Walked in and were greeted straight away, the place was empty so we were asked where we would like to sit, so we chose a booth central in the Restaurant. The main thing that struck me when we were sat was how clean it was, it was all new and shiny. The whole place seems so laid back, it's not just a restaurant, it's the perfect place to come and have a few drinks. The boys will love this as it's got massive screens with the footy on and there's a pool area in the back.

Our server was Beth, but been told she goes by Taylor Swift (I'm not sure why, but I like it!) she was a little star. Explained the menu's really well, interacted with us and took our drinks orders and brought them over straight away.

The atmosphere was just great with classic rock songs playing in the background, I knew once I sat down I was going to enjoy this.

Menu: 

The menu mainly consists of what you'd expect of an American Restaurant - Ribs, Wings, Steak - lots of meat! They also have this menu where you create your own burger and name it yourself. Well like I said we love burgers and why would I pass up the chance to create a burger to our exact taste. I'll move on to the Burger's after, the menu on a whole is a proper foodie's dream. There are regular challenges throughout the week for those who have a bottomless stomach. I would say the prices are mid-range, they are priced the same as most places who offer the same type of food.

Food: 

We both opted to make our own burgers and name them. Burger's cost £9 and come with skin-on fries. We also got sides of Corn Dogs, Onion Rings and Hush Puppies which were all absolutely delicious. Below are our Burgers:

Lee - The Golden Scouse Bad Boy
Bun - Brioche Bun 
Protein - Beef Burger 
Cheese - Monterey Jack Cheese
Salad - Lettuce, Red Onion, Pickles
Premium Toppings (£1 extra each) - Streaky Bacon & Pulled Pork
Sauce - Bourbon Sauce

Kate - Farmyard Madness
Bun - Brioche Bun 
Protein - Beef Burger 
Cheese - Swiss Cheese
Salad - Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles
Premium Toppings (£1 extra each) - Streaky Bacon, Crispy Onion & Pulled Chicken

All the food was exceptional, all perfectly cooked and I had a complete taste sensation. The only thing I would pick up on (and it's literally the smallest thing ever!) is not to put mustard on the corn dogs as they it's an acquired taste, I prefer to dip.

Out of 10, I would happily give a 9.99/10.

Facilities - 

I am obsessed with bathrooms and I went in and these were so clean and smelt like baby powder. I'm so weird but I don't care - here's a pic.

In terms of parking, there's a lot of Pay and Display parking spaces surrounding R&D and it's also a 5 minute walk from Liverpool Centre which means if you prefer to park in a more secure multi-storey then that's not a problem.

Service - 

As I said our Server was Beth AKA Taylor, she was the perfect little host and an absolute asset to the restaurant. She was very prompt and was so attentive (and not overly attentive like some places can be) her interaction with not only us but other customers that came in was faultless. She was just really nice girl who made our visit, a very good and memorable one.

Price - 

Our bill with 2 drinks each came up to just over £40 and if I'm honest I would pay a lot more because the food was amazing.

Overall - 

We will be coming back to Rack & Dollar, probably for Lee to try a eating challenge, probably the 54321 Burger Challenge. I will be telling all my foodie friends about this because it is definitely worth a try and picking your burger and figuring out a name for it is so fun and it brings in a new element of dining. I love that it's just outside the hustle and bustle of the main city centre so it's not too chocker but I think this is going to be one of the best restaurants to be seen at in Liverpool. This is probably bar none the best dining experience I have had.

Oh yea...John Bishop walked in while we were waiting for the bill and when we got home we realised he was hanging out in the Pool Room with Steven Gerrard (of football fame). So yea, celebs eat here...now the only question now is, why aren't you? Details below :) 

Rack & Dollar
27 - 35 Berry Street
Liverpool
L1 9DF

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*All opinions are my own and completely honest*

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Pro Activ: Final Summary

Sorry this is a bit late but as they say: "Better late than never".

Before

During

After

My final thoughts on ProActiv+:

Pro's: I don't have any more dry patches round my eyebrows or nose. It's left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. The Pore Targeting Treatment Facial Cream was my fave product, that really did bring all the crap that was stuck in my pores out.

Con's: It was great the first week and a bit but it just stopped working. I started getting spots and blemishes again in the 3rd week of use. I didn't think the cleanser did anything really, I've used cheaper products that have worked better than this.


Would I use this again?: Sad to say that I probably wouldn't use the 3 Step System again. I had really high hopes for it at the start but then it started letting me down. I feel my skin is both better and worse for different reasons. It feels smooth, moisturised and no dry patches but I have more redness, blotches and spots. I'd rather have clear, dry skin than have smooth, spotty skin.

Would I recommend this to anyone?: I would say to anyone to give it a go because my sister used this last year and her skin was fabulous for using it.

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Discovery Box: Spring 2015

The Discovery Box by The Fragrance Shop is a quarterly subscription which is £5 on a rolling contract which can be cancelled at any time. Not only do you receive multiple samples of perfume but you also get money off vouchers for the full sized versions of the enclosed samples.

Below are this quarter's scents:

Hugo Women Eau de Parfum - I love this fragrance anyway. I reviewed it back last month as a Fragrance of the Week. It's an amazing all rounder perfect for any age. Read my full review here.

Givenchy Very Irrésistible - Very girly! Very Florally! Not very me but I know this would be someone who is very girly's signature scent.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noir Eau Fraiche - I really love the citrussy notes in this. It's such a fresh smelling fragrance. There is a slight florally undertone but it's not overpowering.

Versace Eros Pour Femme - This is definitely a scent for the more mature woman. It's definitely a scent that's going to make a statement when worn.

Dolce & Gabana Floral Drops  Eau de Toilette - As you can probably tell I am not a massive fan of floral scents but this is nice. It is florally but it isn't like mad flowers like jasmine and bergamot but it's dafodils and water lily which are a refreshing change. Definitely the perfect spring fragrance and my favourite out of this box.

Stella McCartney Eau De Toilette - This is definitely a party fragrance. Perfect for Saturday night. The citrus tones in this make the smell pop!

Versace Eros - This is not going to make me fall weak at the knees. It's not nice, I would not let Lee (the boyf) or my dad wear this as it's not pleasant at all. It's too overpowering and really does not agree with my nostrils. Sorry Versace, this one's a dud!


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Liverpool Food and Drink Festival

Today I went to my first ever food and drink festival. My sister and brother-in-law rave about the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival every year and this year I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

To start with we got there early and got our tickets and goody bags. Tickets cost £5 and the contents of the goody bag were - Vimto Extra Concentrate Juice, Typhoo Tea Bags, Popchips, Bear Alphabite Cereal and some Kheils and Carmex samples.

Inside the atmosphere was amazing, food lovers all together. It's something that just seems magical. I loved it all (even if it was a bit muddy) the smells, the sounds and the way everyone was just in the best mood.

Our first stop was Street Dawg Co. for a hot dog with crispy onions with ketchup and mustard. I was starving but this was literally my favourite food of the day. All I've wanted for ages is a hot dog and even though so simple it was perfect! Tasted amazing, perfectly juicy and yummy all at the same time. We scoffed this so quick we were starved!!

We then went on to have a Waffle on a stick, probs the most unique of all the foods we ate today. They were made by Poffertjes King who also make little dutch pancakes. Our waffles were smothered in Nutella and covered with sprinkles. It was a little piece of heaven on a stick!

We were alternating with savoury and sweet. Me and Lee LOVE MEAT!! Like proper LOVE it! We seen a place that was smoking meats! Gaucho BBQ was smoking Rib Eye Beef and BBQ Lamb, they were very forthcoming with the samples, so natually we decided to get some treats from them. My sister got a Lamb Burger with a Garlic Conserve and we got a Rib Eye Steak burger it was so good, absolutely delicious. Probably the most tender meat I've ever tasted. I'm so gutted Gaucho is in Devon otherwise I'd be there!

Churros Susanna! was our next stop. I don't usually like churros but these were delicious! The hot dipping chocolate was the perfect combination of bitter and sweetness. The only critique I had was that there wasn't enough cinnamon on them.

Our final stop for the eating portion of our day was the Oh So British Kitchen for a Pork Belly burger. I wasn't overly impressed with it but Lee really seemed to enjoy it. I think I was thirsty so decided to try a Harry Brompton's Raspberry and Cucumber Alcoholic Iced Tea which was lovely and refreshing, it was lovely. I regretted not buying a little 4 pack of them.(Remember you have to be over the age of 18 to consume alcohol: Drink Responsibly). Kelly and Her Lee got a Curry and a massive Pizza with Chorizo and Mushrooms which looked nice but not my bag.

I decided I wanted to take my other sister home a treat and she loves chocolate cake and I seen the most amazing brownies from Treats Bake Shop. Bought 4 MASSIVE brownies for £9 and they are literally the best brownies I've ever had. I got a Salted Caramel (pictured), two Nutella Hazlenut and an Oreo Brownie. Absolutely amazing, have looked them up and if I'm ever in Middlewich in Cheshire I will be popping in to get some more!

As Lee doesn't like brownies, I knew exactly what to get him instead. A Black Forest cake from The Little Round Cake Company who I knew from their amazing meuringues in Selfridge's. Lee really enjoyed his cake when we got home. He ate it so quick I didn't get a chance to get a picture #greedyguts.

Our last stop was Bonny and Blithe who are a small company in South Liverpool that specialise in vintage tea wear. Me, my sisters and my mum all love a cup of tea so we all got an egg in a cup which was a vintage tea cup and saucer with an easter egg inside. My sister and my mum loved them, they made the perfect present and we are now planning to have afternoon tea at home using them. If you're from Liverpool and you love tea and vintage you need to go here!

Overall I had an amazing time and now cannot wait until the Summer Food and Drink Festival! I would definitely recommend it for all foodies! Anyone who appreciates food would have a fab time here.

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ProActiv+ 20 Day Update.

Now I want to be 100% honest with everyone reading this. The second 10 days of ProActiv+ was not as good as the first 10.

It was all going great until day 13 when I broke out really bad on my chin, literally in agony with sore pin prick spots all on my chin and jaw. Really disappointed because it's now day 20 and it's not going away.

My mum says it's probably working deep cleansing my skin pulling all the bad stuff clogged in my pores and bringing it to the surface. I am going to continue it and hope that this is the case.  I'm so disappointed in this section of my 30 days which is why it isn't as thorough as my previous posts. Spent most of my time stressing about my spots.

I'll be back in 10 days with my final review of ProActiv+

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Nolita Cantina Liverpool

NolIta Cantina is a little hidden treasure buried in the midst of Bold Street in Liverpool City Centre. It's menu consists of American Classics which are becoming popular throughout the UK. Here's what NolIta Cantina's Mission Statement is:

"NoLIta Cantina is an independent restaurant & bar situated on Liverpool's bustling Bold Street born out of the mutual passion of two chefs looking to satisfy their appreciation and longing for traditional, homemade American style food."

NolIta Cantina is one of the best little burger places we've ever tried. We went for my birthday and it was a real treat with Chicken Wings and Corn Dogs for starters. The wings were absolutely massive and so delicious, with a Dr Pepper sauce. I'm very critical when it comes to Corn Dogs and these were absolutely amazing, perfect with mustard and ketchup!

The real winners of the whole meal were the amazing burgers! They really are a spectacle to be seen, perfectly formed. I got a pulled pork burger which was lettuce, burger, cheese, pulled pork, Dr Pepper BBQ sauce and 'slaw! It was perfect and cost £11. Lee got a "Big Boy" Burger which was absolutely massive, I have no idea how he finished it with 3 burgers, bacon, cheese, onion rings, more cheese, 'slaw, hash browns and pickles. A LOT OF FOOD! This cost £15. These burgers came with mixed fries - Regular and Sweet Potato, which to be honest was a lovely touch because who doesn't love sweet potatoes. 

NolIta Cantina, besides from the food, has a fantastic atmosphere. The servers were all really friendly there seemed like a great chemistry between the staff and kitchen staff. The place itself is really small and does get packed but from the food and the service you can understand why. This little restaurant definitely holds its own when it comes to being a top notch place to eat. 

I'd highly recommend this to any one who loves American food and has a thing for burgers. 

NolIta Cantina

81a Bold Street

Liverpool

L1 4HF

0151 708 5061

Opening Hours
Monday 3pm-9pm
Tues-sat 12pm-10pm
Sun 1pm-9pm

www.nolitacantina.com

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*All my own and honest opinion*

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Pro Activ+ First 10 Days

I've been trying Pro Activ+'s 3 Step System for 10 days now and this is my first update. I've been updating the below every couple of days to tell you my progress. If you missed my first post you can catch up: here.

Day 3: 

After using Pro Activ for 3 days I haven't noticed a massive difference in the appearance of my skin. I am still quite red and blotchy but it's only day 3. The feel of my skin is a completely different story, my skin feels really soft and not as dry as it was but there's still small patches of dry skin by my eyebrows and round my nose. I can feel it getting there.

Day 5: 

I am definitely starting to feel the difference. My skin is starting to look a little less red and blotchy but I feel a lot fresher. I think now after using it for 5 days my favourite product out of the 3 step system is the Pore Targeting Treatment Facial Cream, I've been using this product by putting it on cotton pads and sweeping across my face. The amount of dirt and grime it's lifted from my pores has been amazing.

Day 7: 

Been using Pro Activ+ Daily 2 times a day morning and night for a week now and I'm starting to feel a lot more confident in my skin. There's hardly any red blotchy patches anymore and I haven't had any spots break out since I started. My skin feels soft and smooth with no dry patches anywhere. I really hope this lasts. Used the mask for the first time and it's good it felt like my skin went through a deep cleanse.

Day 10:

After using it for 10 days I am loving Pro Activ+ but I've still got a few imperfections I hope will clear up with my further use of the 3 Step System. So far I would recommend this to anyone who has uneven spot prone skin.

Happy with my progress!

My next update will be posted on the 5th April.


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