Review: GOAT, Chelsea

We decided to hang out in Chelsea for the evening, as we never venture that way and I thought it would be fun to act like one of the Made in Chelsea lot. Coincidentally, as I was explaining what Made in Chelsea was to my friend, we bumped into Spencer and Lauren from the show...their taxi they were getting into almost ran us over. It was a good day.

We'd been to Goat before to the 'secret' (it's not really that secretive) 'basement' (you go up some stairs and down again through some locked doors...so I don't think it's really a basement) called The Chelsea Prayer Room. I would definitely recommend the cocktail bar, quirky menus in classic novels and the cheeseboard is delicious - this coming from someone who isn't a massive fan of cheese.

We decided to enjoy the sunshine this time and had a lovely Friday meal...

The sea bass and broccoli with almonds. 

The gluten-free chicken. Portion size was a bit on the small side. 

Nearly every diner had ordered a pizza so I decided to go for the rocket, goat's cheese pizza. It didn't disappoint, I wolfed it down within minutes. Base was perfect.

Some limoncello from Capri to round the dinner off. Why not?

All in all, it was a lovely evening, the staff were very accommodating when we decided that sitting by the open windows were not so ideal when people outside were smoking. They were also very helpful in terms of what was gluten-free and what wasn't. My pizza I had was very high standard, it's not hard to see why every table had at least one pizza ordered. I would say it was on the pricier side, I ended up accidentally spending £45 (although that included a glass of wine, prosecco to share and the limoncello). It has a very friendly atmosphere and I would probably come here again if I ever fancy somewhere that's not East.

RATING: 4 out of 5

You want a pizza me?

It's the year 2015 and I've decided to swap a fetish (if you like) for burgers with pizza. I'm not sure why, but recently I've just had cravings for that round(ish), doughy, cheesy slice. Plus I think it may be healthier...that's what I'm telling myself anyway.

Here's my ongoing tour of pizzas/Italian food so far:

Homeslice, Old Street - so the Covent Garden branch is constantly with a queue so I was happy as Larry when they opened a bigger branch on Old Street. We were seated downstairs right by the stairs actually on a bit of a random bit of sofa and stool - I think it was the 'rustic' feel they were going for. The cocktails were pretty good I must admit, but the real deal is the 20 inch pizza. I had no clue how big 20 inches is but, it's pretty big. I was sharing between three people and I was full after two slices. You can have a half and half so we went for a broccoli (of course) and pepperoni. The base is really neapolitan style and they have different toppings - not just your average 'Hawaiians'. The price isn't too bad either. Overall, a great place to hang out with a group of friends. Old Street is definitely more accessible for those who prefer sitting for a while and catching up.

Pizza Union, Spitalfields (various locations) - I've been wanting to try this one for a while as the branch by King's Cross is always so busy, so it must be good? One of the 'trendy pizzas' to open this year, it's more of a casual, fast food sort of place. Having said that, there are enough seats for you to have a sit down meal for an hour and not feel rushed. I'm a big fan of wood-fire ovens, and the reason why it's so quick is that the bases are fresh, thin and crispy. It's probably not my favourite type of base, but it was great tasting all the same, and really cheap. We went for a bottle of prosecco, two pizzas and a pizza flatbread all for £31. I would definitely come here again for a quick meal if I'm ever around. The Spitalfields vibe was also great.

Pizza Locadeli - Locanda Locatelli's pop up - This former post office in Angel/Islington is now home to pizza, but not for long. Catch it quick before it presumably pops back down.

I went for the Seaside pizza of swordfish, clams and prawns - admittedly this wasn't my first choice, as I find the combination of prawns and bread quite strange (prawn sandwiches? Eh?), but I was pleasantly surprised. The swordfish and squid rings were slightly overcooked as it was cooked underneath the wood fire oven underneath the cheese, but the prawns were cooked separately, and were deliciously succulent! The bread was also very light (gluten free also available). Overall, it was a great tasting pizza, I thought I was full half way through the pizza, but I ended up eating it all...and the crusts which were not too tough. I did think, however, it was slightly on the bland side as I had to add pepper and chilli oil (I usually make a point of not adding any condiments). The cocktails are also a hit. Can't wait to try out the actual restaurant now!

The Elderflower Martini.

Rossopomodoro - I went to the one in Covent Garden, but there is one in Shoreditch (and elsewhere in London, obvs)

Authentic Neopolitan pizza

OK, I've changed my mind - THIS pizza was amazing. The easiest one to eat, by far, with a knife and fork. The dough in the middle was doughy, not overly bready - just enough stretch but thin enough to still add texture to the overall pizza. The crust fluffed up perfectly and was easy to chew. There were so many options (not just pizza options) I wasn't sure which one to go for, so I went for the aubergine, courgette masterpiece. Surprisingly, I couldn't finish it, and it still tasted just as delicious reheated the next day!
They also have gluten free options available. The prices weren't too bad either - I would definitely come here again. Not sure if it was just the Covent Garden branch, but even on a Sunday evening the place was fairly busy and we had a 25 minute wait before being seated.

Pizza East - Shoreditch

The first time I came here it was New Years Day 2014 - it was one of the places that was gluten free friendly (for my visiting friend) and open. At around 12pm I decided to order a beef lasagne, I can't explain why I did that. It was probably the biggest, meatiest lasagne I had ever seen in my life. Needless to say I didn't get very far with it, which is a shame because I had been eyeing up Pizza East ever since I had moved nearby.
Come, October 2015, I'm determined to go for a pizza as I remember it looking delightful. And it didn't disappoint. I ordered the squash, pancetta and thyme pizza and it was exactly as it said on the tin. The most enjoyable was the dough - it was pretty special, even though I thought I had had enough of the crust, I kept going back, nibbling away until my plate was cleared. The only thing I would say was that it was slightly salty and this was when I was tasting the squash on its own, without the pancetta.
There were several pizzas I wanted to order as they sounded delicious - including the meatball one - I had a little taster - again it was slightly on the salty side, but I'm not put off. I would probably come here again. It's got a great atmosphere on a Saturday night and food was served relatively quickly.

Made of Dough - Pop Brixton

I think this may have been my favourite pizza yet. There's a great selection of food at Pop Brixton - 'the shipping containers place', but the Made in Dough pizza was excellent from the wood fire oven. Neapolitan inspired with a hint of Southern Spain, it was elastic, fresh bread, not soggy, and the most appetising topping you could wish for. We went for artichoke with a slight hint of rosemary and garlic oil and the Sobrasada, which is supposed to have Majorcan cured pork on it, but it was crumbled so thinly I didn't notice it, but I don't suppose it would have added much to it as the pizza itself was so fresh and light. I gobbled my share of it so quickly, it was gone before I had even finished my first drink. Prices are very reasonable and totally worth sitting out in the cold for. Would definitely visit this place again.
Pop Brixton also has a great bar selling great gins FYI.

Franco Manca - London locations (Brixton is the original)

I'm sure you've heard of this place already. It has blown up MAJOR style the past few months. I first heard of this unknown 'cafe' a year ago when an Italian man recommended this place to me. He was so enthusiastic about this place that I even got my phone out there and then, mid-conversation, to write the name of the place down. I never made it down but as the year went by another Italian person recommended it to me, and by this time my whole office was telling me I had to go. I did and didn't regret it. Having been reunited with the half Italian housemate - I took her there for her verdict, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. The sourdough makes such a huge difference. It was crispy on the bottom and edges, elastic and chewy but not soggy and really light. I felt as though I could eat another whole pizza. It has a quick turnover so don't be too discouraged by the queues - I went to the South Kensington branch around 6pm on a weekday which was perfect, it only started to get busy around 6:30pm. Food comes out quick and you may have to share a table, but for an amazing pizza and great price, who cares. I would definitely take everyone here.
I've been several times to various locations since the first review, and I have to admit that the other branches are not as good. I don't know whether it's that thing of 'expanding too quickly' or that it's just too popular now, but the pizza I had at the Broadgate/Liverpool Street branch was really disappointing. Service wasn't great, my pizza wasn't very hot on arrival and the bottom of the base was burnt and quite difficult to cut into, and chew. It's a shame, I really loved this place. 

Yard - Shoreditch

My local pizza place, this restaurant used to be a fire station and has kept the main look of the building. They measure the pizza size in yards (hence the name). A quarter yard is enough for one person, half a yard of pizza for the hungry one or a full yard to share (or not depending on your appetite). A pizza each and sharing two sides - it was great. The dough was thin and crispy- not quite sourdough a la Franco Manca style but if it's more Pizza Express base you're looking for this is the place (just to add that I am a fan of Pizza Express bases so this is not a bad thing). Of course it felt a bit more authentic than your average pizza, but at times when they are busy I've noticed the pizza tends to be overcooked. Special mention goes to the potato salad - seasoned perfectly - I could have just eaten this on its own. Also a tip - if you sign up for the newsletter you get sent monthly offers to use in the restaurant. Although, check the fine print - my voucher said I didn't need to print it off but the waiter insisted it had to be printed even when I showed him the fine print on my phone; and instead of 30% off we only received 20% discount. However, even at full price it wasn't too bad a total cost. I would still come here again. 

Hit List:
Pizza Pilgrims
Pizza Buzz

Review: Sartori Restaurant, Central London

What I had: a ‘Casereccio Panuozzi’ (Mozzarella, Italian greens & Italian sausage)

What Dinner Companion (DC) had: ‘Bistecca al gorgonzola con spinaci saltati’ (Rib eye steak with melted blue cheese & sautéed potatoes)

Unsuspecting in the busy area of Leicester Square/Covent Garden – this is a gem of a place I (luckily) stumbled across whilst browsing through various websites to find somewhere to eat that evening, desperately ignoring all the ‘expresses’ and 'huts’.

I ordered what was basically a thin slice of pizza dough with the filling (with splatterings of cheese and not overloaded with it) with another thin, crisp layer of dough on top served on a wooden board.  Before ordering my dish I had already pre-decided that I would not go for a pizza (due to the fact I have had way too many pizzas in the January month) but when you arrive at the restaurant, it’s difficult to resist the wood fire oven.  It was crisp, not over-cooked, not oily and was a delight to eat to be honest.  I am usually a self conscious eater when it comes to pizzas, but this one came in an oblong shape cut into squares and I was so happy to tuck into it, all my qualms were forgotten – even with the fact another diner duo were sat literally a whisker away.  I overheard (okay, so I may have eavesdropped a bit) one of them saying that her Italian friend had recommended Sartori to her, so that is always a good sign. 

DC basically ordered steak and chips, but the steak was a big slab cooked perfectly to the way DC likes it (rare-medium), the potatoes were also cooked just right. 

The menu selection is vast (that’s the only thing – it requires some studying, but lots of options such as pasta, fish, salads, various pizza types and a wide range of vegetarian options…), but the wine menu also has a great collection for you to peruse. 

The place itself is just off the busy road which I like, it’s close enough to everything but not obvious enough for tourists to fill the place – though I would recommend booking.  All the staff are Italian and helpful – especially to top up your glasses.    

Overall, this authentic Southern Italian restaurant is definitely one to keep in mind.  The prices are not too over-priced and I would come here again just to try all the other dishes I wish I could have had. 

Rating: 4 out 5.

http://www.sartori-restaurant.com/  

One of the 2 foot long pizzas you can order...to share (if you wish).

Image courtesy of Sartori.

2012 best bits

Just a few homemade highlights from last year...Here's to 2013!

Vegetarian cottage pie

Japanese beef and mirin sauce

Homemade fish cakes with broccoli and salmon

Chinese Almond cookies

Gingerbread butterfly biscuits

Pizza dough

Paella and chicken wings

Savoury muffins with bacon

Chinese soy sauce chicken

Watercress, onion, mozzarella and egg pizza.

Chinese breakfast: congee and savoury churros.

Review: Fire & Stone, Spitalfields Market

We needed a quick meal before rushing home so we wandered down to the restaurants at Spitalfields market. We've been to Fire & Stone before and enjoyed it, and it had been a while, so we decided to go again.

Last time we went the pizzas seemed huge and great value but this time they seemed a lot smaller to both of us which was a bit of a shame.

We started with some Zucchini Fritters (courgettes) which were sprinkled with Parmesan and a garlic dip. I love anything garlicky but was dissatisfied when a tiny bowl of dip arrived, which wasn't nearly enough for so many fritters. The fritters were nice and not greasy and I would like to have a go at making them myself, they were a little under seasoned but some table salt rectified that.

We also had a pizza each which arrived on a wooden board with a large knife for slicing. The pizzas have an 'around the world' theme, Hayley chose a Marrakech. The Marrakech came with cumin spiced lamb, a yoghurt mint drizzle and chilli oil, it also featured some olives which Hayley didn't enjoy.

I ordered a Mexico which was topped with spicy chicken, guacamole and rather bizarrely fried potato. It was tasty and had a nice kick to it but it tasted as though a lemon had been drizzled over it which I didn't like at all.

Both pizzas had a lovely crisp base and the dough was very tasty which somewhat redeemed their reduced size.

Our bill came to over £30 with only soft drinks, it wasn't great value for money as pizza is so cheap to make and we seemed to be paying a premium for novelty toppings. I don't think we will be returning any time soon and for high street pizza you would be better off heading to Pizza Express.