I hate to think how many calories are in my favourite, Wirral Tandoori's Chicken Tikka Korma - the freshly ground cashew nuts are worth it though, so Wok Nutrition is a good option, using only natural ingredients and watching the oil and fat content of each dish, their Singapore Style Fried Rice is great and their Sweet and Sour Chicken was light and not cloyingly sweet or gloopy! Wok Nutrition is opposite Matalan, on Bromborough Village Road. A few shops along is our favourite Indian restaurant, Wirral Tandoori. Their curries are fresh with excellent quality ingredients and were perfect for a Euro 2008 half-time collection meal, plus you even get a free Cobra beer.

Our Thai fix is slightly further a field; The Khrua Thai Orchid, Brimstage Road in Heswall Hills, who we often call to order as we go through the Wallasey tunnel driving back from Liverpool, arriving just in time to pick up our meal. Originally a catering business, their menu is divine and worth the slightly higher price, in particular their Nasi Goreng, Gad Satay (chicken breast on satay sticks with spicy peanut sauce) and my favourite, Chicken with Cashew Nuts have authentic savoury twang that is miles better than your average takeaway.

For Pizza, it has to be American Pizza Slice, on Whitechapel in Liverpool, opposite the Metquarter, is their little store where they dish up huge 18" slices of stateside pizza, with a huge variety of toppings. The best thing about them is you can order a huge 8 slice pizza, 18" slices in any combination, which is great to have delivered when you have friends over as everyone can have their favourite style.

Finally, Fish and Chips - I'm really particular about chips, they have to be crisp, I can't stand soggy ones, so for me Pisces in Heswall is the place to go.

In case you'd rather make your take away, opt for a cuisine not available yet over here, Mexican, and make nachos! It's a really fast and tasty alternative to shepherd's pie or spaghetti Bolognese, kids adore it too. Below is my take away version, of course, you can always add chopped red chilli, peppers and onions to your nachos if you like your sauce to be chunkier, just simmer the sauce for longer.

15-minute Beef Nachos

300 - 500g Beef mince (preferably lean and organic)
1 x can of Red Kidney or Pinto beans
1 x can of chopped tomatoes in tomato juice
1 x sachet Old El Paso Taco Mix powder
Corn chips or Old El Paso Nachips
Handful of grated cheddar
Sour cream

Optional, to give a richer flavour
1 TBsp Discovery Chipotle paste
or
1/2 tsp Cumin, Oregano and Paprika
Refried beans

Instructions

Brown the mince, draining off any excess fat

Stir in the Taco powder

Add the drained Kidney beans and tomatoes

If using, add Chipotle or dried spices and herbs as above

Simmer for 10 minutes

If using, warm the refried beans in a saucepan, you may need to add a little water to thin them

Arrange your corn chips in a roasting dish and scatter the grated cheese over

Grill until just melted, be careful, corn chips catch and burn really quickly (I know, I've had them actually catch fire before, I've warned you!)

Divide the corn chips into bowls, ladle over first the refried beans then nacho sauce.

Next a generous spoonful of sour cream, then top with some fresh coriander, or parsley, or fresh salsa sauce if you have any to hand.