Nando's Manchester Arndale.

Arrived early for a concert in the Arena and thought we'd take a pre concert dinner. Unfortunately 10,000 other people had the same idea. Pizza Express 50 people in the queue before us; Franky & Benny's 25 people in the queue before us; Pizza Hut 20 minute wait. Nice olde worlde pub - sorry we're full. The place (Manchester) was heaving with people looking for a pre-show meal.

Eventually went into the Arndale and found Nandos. No waiting. Hurrah!

It was portuguese I think and the big catchphrase was piri piri. Shown to table then requested to order at the counter (no waiters...). Humous and pitta with piri piri sauce followed by Chicken breast in Pitta (mild) and steak roll (hot) . Mediterranean salad to accompany.

I thought it was OK but partner was disappointed. My steak roll did have some hot moments and the salad was large and full of good stuff. Extra dressing was available and a single glass of house red went down well. The menu was limited but it wasn't really a restaurant more a cantina. I'd go again and try out the very hot option if I could.

Stroom, Pudsey, Valentine's menu

This was out of this world. £55 for 2 before drinks.

I had mushroom and shallot tart with blue cheese salad, partner had ham and asparagus terrine with apple chutney and a poached egg on top. Warm bread rolls and real butter added to the experience. Top notch stuff.

Mains of a Yorkshire fillet of beef with camembert fondu plus veg; Belly of Pork with Boudin noir and garlic mash and house salad. All beautifully cooked and presented. House salad was one of the best for a long time.

Sticky Toffee pudding with butterscotch and homemade ice vanilla cream; Rhubarb Cheesecake with fruit coulis.

A couple of glasses of wine and £78 but the quality was superb. I can't remember a better local restaurant. The chef just has the knack. No massive plates groaning with food but elegant dishes with just enough to almost fill a diner.

Recommended without reservation although you'll probably need one. This little secret won't stay quiet for long.

Anaan's, Morley

Summoned to a 50th Birthday do with the outlaws. Turned out to be a very good do. 14 people ordered loadsa drinks and then a variety of starters and we went for a sizzler between 2. Usual sizzling result. Almost as much as a main course.

Main course many people opted for a Vensi. Mama's special sauce nudge nudge turned out to be yellow and thin but quite tasty. There were madras options and I think I had one of those but I'm not sure as it was a) late arriving which makes me think they forgot me and b) it wasn't that hot. It was still pretty good.

No-one did a pud and when the bill arrived I was astounded to hear only £192. I was expecting £20 a head but we we ended up with just around £15. Very good value considering we had two of the biggest nan breads I have ever seen - nearly a yard wide.