IT'S hard to believe it's almost three years since the world went into lockdown.
In March 2020 life changed for everyone and at times, it felt like normality was never going to return.
The thing is, I became, and still am, a little too comfortable staying at home and in all honestly, have pretty much given up socialising.
So, when the lovely team behind Belfast Restaurant Week 2023 asked myself and my little family to have a night out on them, I gave myself a good talking to and decided to give it a go.
A record number of restaurants are taking part in this year's event, which is running from February 20-26.
During the week, diners can explore more than 40 restaurants around the city, which are offering a host of unbeatable offers.
So, keen to check out the restaurants taking part, the McConvilles ventured out for a meal at Buba in St Anne's Square.
I had chosen this eatery, which specialises in beef and chicken burgers and other yummy bits and pieces, based on it's children's menu as it's just fab.
On arrival, I was struck by the bright and welcoming interior, it felt nice and relaxed.
We were shown to our table and given our menus, which were packed with delicious dishes which had us drooling.
After much deliberation, I opted for The Pepper Dipper, a beef patty with cheese, crispy fried onions and a creamy, pepper sauce.
Now, this was just wow.
It was THE best pepper sauce I have ever tasted. At night now I dream about bathing in it.
We also tried the the gorgeous cajun buttered corn on the cob and the pulled mushroom dirty tots – tater tots topped with yummy flavour combinations.
The kids both had crispy southern fried chicken and fries and there was not a single crumb left.
For after, I tried the vegan lemon cheesecake, which was just beautiful and tasted like the real thing, while Darren enjoyed the cookie chaos, a loaded baked cookie with chocolate buttons and marshmallows, all smothered in sweet cream – it was addictive.
Abbie was delighted when the wonderful waitress, Dubheasa, went out of her way to create a sensational chocolate milkshake for her – it made her day to be made to feel special.
And that's what really struck me about Buba, it was so comfortable, the children were really made to feel welcome, the staff took time to speak to us about the menu and answer our questions.
The customers in Buba are treated like family and the prices will not break the bank.
I would definitely recommend checking out Buba or any of the other venues taking part in Belfast Restaurant Week 2023.
I know Buba has great deals this coming week including a £10 lunch or a £20 dinner special and there's many more offers like that around the city.
Go on, let your inner foodie out to play.
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Actresses Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis are to star in a new show based on best-selling author Patricia Cromwell's Kay Scarpetta novels.
According to media reports, Bombshell star Nicole will play crime-solving medical examiner Dr Kay Scarpetta while True Lies star Jamie-Lee will take on the role of her whimsical sister Dorothy for the Amazon series.
Both actresses will also serve as executive producers for the show.
In the 26 Scarpetta books that Cornwell has written, the title character is a beautiful, tough-as-nails forensic examiner who has a messy love life and a penchant for opera and Italian cooking.
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Who fancies winning a "heart warming, feel good romance"?
Twelve Labours of Love by Laura Stewart tells the story of three friends who come together in the hope of finding love.
Caz is determined to find The One and is asking the universe for help.
Her friends Mallory and Olly think it’s a lot of nonsense.
When Mallory accepts a job designing the interior of a new Greek restaurant, she is horrified to learn that she accidentally handed in a CV that she wrote as a self-help exercise.
And, when co-owner Alex, the handsome son of a millionaire, asks for her help, she has no choice but to start trying to live up to her fictitious résumé.
Meanwhile, Caz and Olly have their own to-do lists.
Caz is certain romance is just around the corner, although it may lie in the most unexpected places.
I have three copies to give away.
If you would like the chance to win one, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com.
Closing date for entries is noon on Tuesday February 21.
(Q) Who wrote Twelve Labours of Love?
Normal Irish News rules apply.
COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners of the Boux Avenue competition are Pádraigín Herron from Belfast, Anne O Hagan from Desertmartin, and Ciara O'Hanlon from Newry.
