I was delighted to find out that another major restaurant chain (Pizza Express) has released a vegan option, so I just had to go and try it out last night.
Vegan on Female First
We were lucky enough to get a booth in the back so we could see the whole restaurant, which was decorated primarily in sage green with geometric shapes on the walls and large, round, light fittings to give it a modern edge. It had very minimalist feel to it- very clean and fresh, which is something I personally look for in a place to eat.
We started with a couple of drinks and Rick kindly brought an intro of Roasted Tomatoes- Slow rosted tomatoes marinated in garlic and oregano as my starter so I could eat it with my husband as none of the starters were vegan friendly. They were presented in a little brulee dish- with cocktail sticks to share, but I have to confess, I didn't- they didn't last long enough to offer my partner any! They weren't greasy like the tomatoes you get in a jar at the supermarket because they are often coated in oil, they were juicy and full of flavour despite not having masses of ingredients added to them.
My husband enjoyed the NEW Prosciutto e Melone. An iconic combination: prosciutto crudo and fresh honeydew melon with rocket, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic syrup- he said it was a lovely light and refreshing way to begin the meal. A palate cleanser for meat lovers shall we say!
I had every intention of eating Pizza Express' new vegan Pianta Pizza- Spinach, closed cup mushroom, pine kernels, artichoke, tomato, chilli flakes and garlic oil finished with rocket, extra virgin olive oil and fresh parsley. No cheese, however when I arrived I the NEW Leggera Superfood Salad caught my eye.
At under 500 calories, this is a great option for those who are watching their weight or indeed trying to lose it like I am. The salad boasted a superfood mix of black rice, edamame beans, red quinoa, mung beans, chickpeas, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and kale in a flavoursome vinaigrette on a bed of seasonal mixed leaves, rocket, cucumber, roasted red and yellow peppers, red onion and fresh parsley with our light house dressing .
Rick kindly asked the kitchen staff if the salad was suitable for vegans. He brought out the allergen list and informed me that the salad was vegan friendly but the dressing wasn't so I ordered it without. As the salad was packed with so many different ingredients and flavours, it was still delicious without the dressing and it was huge! With the beans, peas, rice and quinoa, this dish was really filling so don't think all you're going to get is a pile of lettuce- this was the heartiest salad I had ever seen.
My hubby ordered the NEW Barbacoa Romana- Smoky, spicy and full-flavoured: pulled Barbacoa beef, spicy chipotle salsa, garlic oil, mozzarella and tomato with a fresh finish of tomato, red onion and coriander. Perfect for fans of the American Hot- this is not for the faint hearted. The spicy chipotle salsa gives it real kick so be prepared for your taste buds to sing!
For dessert, I enjoyed the Leggera Raspberry Sorbet- Under 200 calories. Two scoops of dairy-free raspberry sorbet, served with a chocolate straw and fresh mint. Again- ideal for the waistline conscious, vegans and lactose intolerants. It was tangy, but not overbearing as some sorbets can be and it felt like real treat even though it was far less calorific than some of the other desserts on the menu.
My partner had the NEW Eton Mess Cheesecake- Pizza Express' twist on the classic- s trawberry-swirled cheesecake, on a shortbread base with a layer of Dulce de Leche, all topped with crumbled pieces of baked meringue; served with your choice of cream, mascarpone or gelato. I think he was grateful that I couldn't have any so he could eat it all himself. It looked a little tidier looking than a traditional Eton Mess with a surprise layer of Dulce de Leche to make it even more indulgent and sweet.
Overall, I was really impressed with my meal and would happily have the same all over again. Although I didn't eat what I intended to, I was impressed by how accommodating the staff were to make another dish vegan friendly for me.
My partner confessed it was the best part of his day- so I think that says it all.
I do think the one thing that lets the menu down is that it doesn't have a code for vegans the same as it does for vegetarian dishes, gluten free dishes and those containing nuts. The vegan pizza simply says 'no cheese' in the description. I think it would be helpful for diners to have it clearly marked on the menu as 'vegan' and perhaps the option to make some dishes vegan too- as clearly- the staff were happy to do so when I asked.
Thank you to Rick and everyone who was involved in making our Tuesday night so enjoyable.
Tagged in Gluten Free Vegetarian Vegan