Tick Tock Diner, New York

I love the blatant excess of America. I often overindulge over here, but I have no requirement for guilt when in the States. Tick Tock Diner is a bit of an institution - with a motto like 'eat heavy' we were never going to come away peckish. The original diner in Clifton opened in 1948, and not much has changed since.

The 350 seater in midtown Manhattan is a 24/7 serving machine. We went for breakfast on our first day, and loved it so much we went back on our last day too! You walk through the door to be summoned to the next available table by the hostess, and within minutes someone has appeared offering coffee and juice. On the last day it was so cold outside that I opted for hot chocolate instead - same heat, more comfort.

Waffles with syrup and strawberries: This was the first breakfast I had at Tick Tock. The waffles filled a dinner plate! They were beautifully light but I still managed less than half. Have you seen how much syrup and butter they give you with this?! What killed me is that the people on the table opposite ate the whole thing plus toast. Each.

Toast: A round of toast comes with most breakfasts, and once again is accompanied by a heap of butter and the best jam ever. Grape jelly is the future.

Corned beef hash with potatoes and eggs sunny side up: Believe me when I say this was absolutely out of this world. Best corned beef hash I have ever tasted. It came with shredded potatoes and onions fried like a rough rosti. This was the reason we went back on the last day. We both had it again. I honestly thought my husband was high ordering this for breakfast, but he won!

It was about a twenty minute walk in minus 4 degrees with a windchill which burned your cheeks, and our feet were killing from five days of trekking through New York: well worth it. In response to the reviews about the service being non-existent, we were served quickly and in a friendly manner, but they are rushed off their feet - this is New York after all. No complaints from us. This had to be our favourite breakfast the whole time we were there. Is it pretty? No way. Does it taste amazing? Hell yes.

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Mighty Quinn's Barbeque, New York

Imagine if there was a really good version of a fast food restaurant that does barbecue food... Somewhere you can eat in or take away, with amazing brisket, ribs and burnt ends. If this was nearby I'd be morbidly obese within weeks. Good job we don't live in New York then.

Mighty Quinn's was on 'the list' pretty much as soon as we booked the trip. Their unique 'Texalina Barbeque' mixes all that is good from Texas and the Carolinas into something quite beautiful. The best ingredients with a little added magic are turned into some simply stunning barbecue food. 

You check out the boards, join the queue, and salivate until your food is handed to you in a little tray. They offer brisket, ribs, pulled pork, spicy sausage, wings, chicken, burnt ends in barbecue sauce and even a brontosaurus rib... But sides are equally as exciting too; skin on fries, sweet potato casserole, sweet pea salad, buttermilk broccoli and the amazing burnt end beans.

Nothing is standard and everything is amazing. They even have the most amazing pickles to accompany your chosen dish. I had pickled chillis, celery and red onion. The kick and tang of the vinegar really lifts the sweetness in the meat.

They have an excellent drinks menu too. My husband (All Beer No Belly) is a craft beer fan, and was mightily impressed to see the likes of Allagash, Lagunitas and Firestone Walker on draught, and bottles by Stone and Great Divide. He ended up with a pint of Firestone Walker's Union Jack IPA. It's interesting that all the decent fast food gaffs in New York had really good craft beer available - the fact they have taps is amazing. There was no Bud Light here folks...

Brisket naked, slaw and pickles: Unbelievably moist with wonderfully sticky burnt ends. They add a scattering of sea salt too, which makes it even more delectable. No brisket will compare to this.

Burnt ends on a bun: Christ on a bike this was good. It made the pain of watching Man vs. Food whilst on Slimming World worth it! The only problem is, all this food just rocketed onto the 'what could you just have?' list. I won't sleep.

Burned end beans and skin on fries: Sides are by no means an afterthought. Fries are crisp and salty with crunchy skin, and those beans... I could make a pig of myself every day of my life with these. Hell.

We've had some good barbecue in the UK in establishments with waiter service with a restaurant vibe - they do not compare to this. There are no bells and whistles, just simple food, seasoned to perfection and cooked like a barbecuing demon.

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Find Me a Gift Christmas Stocking Fillers

A few weeks ago, the lovely elves at Find Me a Gift asked me what sort of things I'd like to see under my Christmas tree this year, to give them an idea of what Father Christmas may like to give to the good folk.

I came up with some ideas, but they asked me if I would like to review something from their site. I had a look at the usual home and kitchen things that I'm attracted to, but then I found this... I've wanted a personalised necklace since I was a little 'un, as my mum has one. The ones I've seen haven't really fit the brief, but this is perfect. Silver, simple and with a choice of chain lengths. 

This necklace is a bargainous £19.99. I decided to get one saying Dolly rather than Rachel, as it looked nicer! Plus, that's what most of my family call me anyway. Perhaps strangers will think I'm crackers? Never mind.

I shall wear this with pride.

Disclaimer: I cannot confirm or deny whether actual elves work at Find Me a Gift. Elf or not, I was under no obligation to write a positive review - I genuinely love it! Oh and bad folk (you know who you are) - you're getting coal. You can get your very own necklace here.

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