Let's Go Potterheads!

Remember that Slytherin dress I made back in May? Well yesterday I finally took it on an outing to DraigCon in Manchester! I don't remember the last time I was up to get a train this early and only managed to get my eyeliner done before having to leave the house - I'm forever an expert at failing '5 more minutes'.

 So the convention itself took place at The Printworks near Manchester Victoria and Chethem Library. I'd never been to The Printworks before and it turned out to be like an entertainment complex with a cinema and a wide variety of eateries. I thought it was really was quite accurate to what I would imagine a modern day Diagon Alley to look like and there were lots of photo opportunities!

It's been so long since I went on an outing with Sam, Claire and Emma! 

I can fly this guy with my provisional right? 

It's got to be Slytherin! A lot of people think I'd definitely be a Hufflepuff but I'm not going to lie, I'm not nice enough, my patience levels are near non-existent and I probably swear too much haha! I definitely have the ambition and pride of a Slytherin! 

What an aesthetic photo! I'm also sorry for the amount of times 'aesthetic' came out of my mouth guys! 

Dobby's sock collection point

During the afternoon we went to enjoy the orchestra which was really lovely! I don't really go to classical concerts but every time I listen to an orchestra I have such a great time!

We made a wizard friend at Chethem! 

The all important Butter Beer! Because did you even go to Harry Potter Con if you didn't drink one? 

The Whisky was pretty strong but I enjoyed it, especially the whipped cream! 

7/10 - would drink again if someone bought me one.

With Claire's future husband, Viktor Krum! 10/10 worth queuing for! 

Selfie and outfit shot spam!

JSK & Bow - Handmade

Blouse & Bag - Primark

Shoes - Dreamy Bows

Everything else - Offbrand

This is my first convention where it's solely focused on one fandom and I had a great time! I would definitely go to one like this again!

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Have you ever been to a Harry Potter convention? 

Who did you see there? Who would be your dream guest? 

- Part Time 小姐

Are You Dazzling Today?

So, remember that post back in March where I said I'd go back to sample more of the menu at Dazzling Cafe? Well here it is!

Mr Rachel came to visit me for a few days and for convenience, we decided to stay out in Manchester so this was an A Grade chance to take him out for the ultimate lunch date!

It was pretty empty when we got there which was a bit shocking since it was so busy back in March but that also meant we got seated really quickly and it was nice and peaceful. 

Time for super aesthetic drinks! I got the Dazzling Pink which is a very sweet ice tea and David got the Pineapple Soda - I knew he'd get this one and I am very pleased that I internally guessed right! (This is it pre-mixed, once mixed it is green like pictured in the menu.)

They had a £10 meal deal (includes an appetiser and a main) but the main reason I had decided to bring Mr Rachel here was to try the Honey Toast so we decided against getting so much food.

In the end, we both decided to get a Chicken Karaage with Cheese each from the appetisers and it was great! The chicken had a lovely crispness on the outside and was fantastically succulent on the inside! The melted cheese and seaweed flakes added a nice saltiness to the crispy fries. The flavours were SO good and the portion was actually very big for an appetiser and felt more like a meal. Good value for money though!

 

Drum roll please, here's the old Honey Toast! This is the same as the one I got back in March but out of the options, Mr Rachel most fancied the aesthetic of this one! 

He doesn't care for hazelnuts but I helped in that department. 

Y'all know how I feel about this masterpiece so I won't swoon over it again. The only thing I will say is that it was a little bit of a challenge between the two of us ^^'

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Verdict 

Dazzling Pink (£4) - 10/10 would drink again!

I was curious about the name of this and the little star beside it on the menu and in the end chose it for it's name. It was a very sweet and refreshing iced tea with some lychee and rose notes. Was I dazzled? Yes!

Pineapple Soda - (£4) - 8/10 would drink again!

I don't usually care for pineapple but I tried a bit just because and found it pleasant and enjoyable. The only thing is you'e got to make sure you do a lot of stirring so the syrup is thoroughly distributed so the last 1/4 or so it's super dilute.  Mr Rachel may or may not rate it differently. 

Chicken Karaage with Cheese -  (£6.50) - 10/10 would eat again and again!

These were BIG appetisers! I REALLY enjoyed this, the chicken really was SO good and it was the perfect mixture of crispiness, tenderness and juiciness <3 The whole dish had great flavours and textures, so good, I loved it!

Hazelnut Chocolate Honey Toast (£10) - 10/10 would eat again and again and again!

This was still SO good though more challenging to finish between two, compared to between three. Compared to last time, it was maybe a *little* bit overdone so a little hard in places but the cream and ice cream helped.

Verdict - We are both 10/10 dazzled, SO dazzled!

Admittedly it was a little expensive for a lunch date but considering the place, aesthetics and how much we enjoyed the food, it was worth it ^^

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So here we go, I did Dazzling Cafe again and am still dazzled! 10/10 would STILL go again and try even more from the menu :)
Following this, we went on a date to Sea World Manchester at the Trafford Centre, it's been an A Grade date!

What's your favourite kind of date?

- Part Time 小姐