Tag Archives: new opening

Radio Alice Pizzeria, Hoxton Square

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You can satisfy just about any foodie craving in and around Hoxton Square… from Vietnamese pho to burgers and even fine dining. And now, at last, there is a great pizzeria to tempt diners too. Radio Alice is named after a 1970s pirate radio station from Bologna and was opened by brothers Salvatore and Matteo Aloe, who have numerous restaurants in Italy.

Radio Alice Pizzeria

The classic Italian menu features ‘Piccoli’ small plates including wonderfully flavoursome ‘Speck & apricots’ and creamy ‘Burrata with black pepper and oregano’. Pair these perfect antipasti plates with a glass of the lightly sparkling ‘Brut and the beast’.

Radio Alice PizzeriaRadio Alice Pizzeria

The brothers aim to make their pizza bases both crispy and fluffy by using a mother yeast and ancient stone ground flour. They cook and cut the base first, adding the luxurious toppings after. The ‘pizze’ menu is divided between ‘with’ or ‘without’ a tomato base, both are delicious. Opt for the decadent ‘Proscuitto di Parma, burrata, orange infused oil with fiordilatte’, or the meat-lovers dream ‘Pork sausage with pecorino, tomato, black pepper’. The bases were chunky but not overly filling and the toppings really had the chance to shine, thanks to generous helpings and the clever cooking method.

Radio Alice Pizzeria

I couldn’t resist trying a few desserts from the sweet menu. The simple ‘Chocolate gelato’ was delightful, rich and moreish. For grown-up kids the ‘Bourbon vanilla gelato, anise biscuit’ is an indulgent ice-cream sandwich, with a chewy biscuit and whisky flavoured gelato. If you are after something light and palate-cleansing after a pizza feast try the ‘Mandarin and tonka bean’, a light and fruit homemade sorbet.

Radio Alice is a fun restaurant which is serious about making authentic and tasty pizzas. Based in the heart of Hoxton, I’m sure it will be a hit with hipsters hanging around in the area, day and night.

More information and book a table here.

Aquavit, St James’s Market

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Scandinavian food is certainly unique, perhaps even, an acquired taste. Recently, chic and sparsely decorated Nordic restaurants have been popping up all over London. Aquavit hails from New York, where chef Emma Bengtsson has been instrumental in winning the establishment two Michelin stars. This winter saw the opening of Aquavit London, a stylish but casual eatery found in the new St James’s Market, which plays host to a selection of sophisticated retail and dining businesses.

Aquavit

I went along to an opening night bloggers dinner at Aquavit a few weeks ago. First we were invited to sample the cocktails, expertly made in front of us at the bar. I tried the Scandi Mule, a long and fruity drink which pairs a measure of O.P. Anderson aquavit (a Swedish spirit) with lemongrass, lime and ginger beer.

AquavitAquavit

A selection of Smorgasbord was put in the centre of the table for us to share and pick at. Cured fish, homemade rye bread and pickled vegetables were appreciatively gobbled up. Fresh but wholesome food which feels healthy whilst tasting delicious.

Aquavit

For main course I couldn’t resist trying the Swedish meatballs with lingonberries and pickled cucumber. The portion size was relatively small, which was fine for me, but I did wonder whether guests paying £16 may hope for a bigger serving. The meatballs were made from finely ground meat and nicely seasoned. I adored the silky smooth mashed potato but wasn’t quite sure about the addition of ligonberries. It was a tasty dish and reminded me of childhood trips to the Ikea foodhall!

Aquavit

Most of us round the table opted for the Artic Bird’s Nest for dessert after our waitress told us it was the signature dessert. A strange but alluring mix of flavours and textures, it satisfied my sugar craving whilst challenging the conventional chocolate pudding.

Aquavit is open everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so it is always a good time to go along and sample some refined Nordic cuisine.

More information and book a table at Aquavit here.

Panzo, Exmouth Market

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A few years ago London went mad for burgers, now it’s all about the pizza varieties. Pretty-in-pink Panzo on Exmouth Market is the newest pizzeria to demand my attention.

Panzo

The interiors are very instagram friendly, with plenty of natural daylight, pretty ornaments on the walls and lots of pale pink and copper coloured decor. The contemporary Scandi-style furniture is both aesthetically pleasing and a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a meal.

PanzoPanzo

I visited Panzo on a weekday lunchtime with a friend and was surprised to find the restaurant full and buzzy, despite only opening a few weeks before. I loved the retro Gazzosa Macario drink, a sparkling soda that you can only get in Italy.

The menu is brief and tempting… we opted for the ‘Tina’ to start; burratina with cherry tomatoes and basil. It was just as it should be, creamy and rich and particularly tasty with a pinch of salt and pepper.

PanzoPanzo

The special dough at Panzo is made with a combination of rice flour, soy flour and wheat flour, with less gluten and less calories than regular dough. The unique ‘double-cooking’ method makes the dough crispier and easier to digest, so though it’s filling you won’t leave feeling uncomfortably full. The amazing pizzas are showcased in the front window, seducing passers by and convincing them to come in.

We tasted the ‘Luchino’, a meat-lovers dream with Ventricina, Nduja, Mozzarella and fresh chilli. It was full of flavour, with a delicious mix of good quality cured meats and a spicy kick from the chilli. Though initially I thought it might need more cheese, the thick chunks of mozzarella were sufficient. Vegetarians will enjoy the ‘Easy V’, the tomato base is replaced with a pumpkin base, topped with Aubergines, Courgette, Onion Confit and served with a parmesan sauce to drizzle over the top. This pizza definitely felt more healthy and I missed the mozzarella, but it was an interesting alternative to the standard pizza variations.

Panzo

There are only two desserts on the menu, so naturally we ordered both. Homemade tiramisu was my favourite, indulgent layers of thick cream and sweet coffee goodness. The chocolate explosion was a less exciting light chocolate mousse.

Panzo is the perfect place to have lunch on Exmouth Market. With lots of menu updates coming soon I’m looking forward to returning asap to try more from this inventive pizzeria.

More information about Panzo and book a table here.