One of the best things about running Harrogate Mumbler is when I discover a local gem like Magga Magga, and now I get to tell you all about it. I’d seen them on Instagram, but only realised recently that it’s a friend of mine’s husband who is the Pitmaster behind this epic food. And I mean epic!
Based from his home in Spofforth, James Fraser is cooking up a storm each weekend. A special weekly combo meal is announced each week alongside all the usual menu items and orders need to be placed by Wednesday for you to collect from Spofforth on a Saturday or Sunday at the allotted time. There is so much to shout about Magga Magga, so I’ll try & do it justice.
We had friends coming for a Sunday BBQ, so we placed an order for collection at 4pm on Sunday. We went for a “Lamb combo” for 5 people. This isn’t any ordinary BBQ, the lamb shoulder had been smoked then BBQ’d and was utterly divine. Along with the lamb we had a whole charred cabbage (which I’ve never had BBQ cabbage before but was lush) a huge quinoa salad (which included feta, seeds, herbs & BBQ vegetables), fries cooked in beef dripping, seasoned with rosemary & garlic, Wild Garlic Chimichurri, Saffron Yoghurt & Flatbreads.
The food tasted exactly as amazing as it sounds! It was restaurant quality, but instead of paying huge amounts in a packed restaurant terrace, we were able to enjoy it at leisure in our own garden with friends. One of the loveliest things was how carefully James had packaged it all up & the thought with which it was presented.
Over the past year I’ve had a few takeaways from restaurants, but fairly regularly the food hasn’t travelled well. It’s felt like a poorer version of eating in. This absolutely isn’t the case with Magga Magga. The presentation (even in the containers) was beautiful, however James had also thought to send additional garnishes (pomegranate & coriander) so that when I plated up the food at home, it looked as fresh & appetising as if I’d just made it myself (ok… actually much better than if I’d done it myself ????)
There was no spillages or soggy containers- everything arrived in tip top condition & ready to serve.
The quality of the ingredients was phenomenal. As well as lamb, the ever-changing menu includes things like baby back ribs, smoked & brined whole chicken along with sweet treats such as toffee pudding & blondies. All of the meat is locally sourced from Sykes House Farm in Wetherby.
So how can you order Magga Magga?
Contact James on 07535 525535 or by email at maggamaggafood@gmail.com. You can see the most up-to-date menu on his instagram page Magga Magga here or visit the website maggamagga.co.uk
Collection times are Saturday – 12:30pm – 6pm & Sunday – 12:30pm – 4pm
Address – 34 Castle Street, Spofforth, HG31AP. Please provide your order by Wednesday evening on the week you’d like to eat.
