One of my fondest memories of living in the down-town area of Toronto was the fabulous German delicatessen in the district. We used to join the queue on a Saturday morning, waiting for our number to be called. The cheeses were sublime: the olives totally unlike anything the supermarket had to offer. Oh, but the hams and the sausage! That rustic rye bread with delicious crunch and the crumbly, chewy sourdough that was usually raided from the paper bag on the way home. For a time we had a local deli in Wallasey. Our discerning editor could never resist the cheeses at the deli! Here are some to savour in Liverpool.
WORDS: Jean Hill
The Kasbah
The Kasbah on Bold Street has now become a more informal café and deli. The new menu includes express sandwiches, a counter menu of dishes all marinated in Moroccan spices plus an extensive list of Mezze and charcoal grills, tagines and additional sides and desserts. There’s also Moroccan speciality drinks including Moroccan tea and coffee, mint tea and Moroccan lemonade. There is additional seating for 20 outside. Open 12 noon until 11pm daily.
Express sandwiches include ‘The vegan’ falafel aubergine houmous tahini and The club’ chicken tomato lettuce egg mayonnaise cheese. There are salad selections including nutmeg and honey sweet potatoes, goats cheese avocado and walnut, and grilled aubergine salad.
http://www.kasbahcafebazaar.co.uk/
Delifonseca Food Hall and Edge & son butchers
The choices are impressive, as is the quality of the food. You can order fish & chips; veggie moussaka; or Sunday summer roasts. You might opt for sharing steak with a loved one, or you can create your own Edge & son bundle. You can order on-line and collect from an alfresco covered terrace at Delifonseca Dock-side. I am intrigued to embark on the Mediterranean cheese making kit. Deliveries go out to many areas in Liverpool (check for details). The Food Hall is open (check on-line for opening times). Comes highly recommended: we have enjoyed great meals at Delifonseca.
0151 2550808
Matta’s International Foods
You can order online or visit the shop on Bold Street. There are many organic options, and you can collect your on-line order in store. I checked out some of the recipes on the web-site and intend trying Thai green jackfruit curry. Gado Gao Indonesian peanut salad sounds super healthy. It is fascinating to shop a world of fruit and vegetables.
0151 7093031
Tavola Italian Deli
The options here include organic and gluten free produce. I thought Di Peperoncino (chili pepper cream) sounded irresistible. Order via Deliveroo.
0151 7090027
Paola & Donato’s Italian Deli
This is an enterprise founded by two brothers. Paolo worked at Il Forno in Liverpool and has pursued his interest in traditional Italian cuisine cooked simply with local produce. Donato worked in hotels and restaurants in Venice, developing his knowledge of Italian food and wine. At just 21 years old, Donato opened his first restaurant. Bespoke cakes can be ordered on-line. The chef’s recommendations are: pizza and cannoli di Ricotta. And who am I to argue with that!
Lunya and Lunylita
Lunya and Lunylita are Peter & Elaine Kinsella’s homage to Catalunya and Spain. They specialise in Catalan and Spanish cuisine. The two restaurants in Liverpool have now re-opened. Check on-line for details.
The deli stocks over 40 Catalan and Spanish cheeses, Spain’s very best wines, sherries, Cavas and spirits and a great collection of jamón. The delicatessen in Hanover Street is open for shopping and take-away beverages. Comes highly recommended: we have had great meals at Lunyalita.
Duke Street Food and Drink Market
The owners have come together because of their mutual appreciation for high quality food and drink. We have enjoyed lunching at Pilgrim, with a great range of dishes, and love the concept of the Camino de Santiago, pilgrim trail. At the moment you cannot book. You can arrive and wait to be safely seated and served. The Market is open Wednesday to Sunday (from 12 noon, though closing times vary, food is usually available until 9pm, or 8pm on a Sunday.
The Baltic Market
This vibrant market is situated on the Cain’s Brewery site. Every week, from Thursday through to Sunday, visitors can sample a variety of Liverpool’s independent foodie vendors. This is a moveable feast because vendors change. Stone baked pizzas, halloumi fries, fried chicken, a dessert bar, and a gin bar are all part of the fun.
For more culinary inspiration, pay a visit to our food & drink page.
