With a second lock-down about to kick in and Christmas approaching by stealth, there are still plenty of reasons to be hopeful. Personally I can resist anything except Christmas, family and friends. There are plans afoot to bring down the infection numbers (obviously everywhere in the UK, but there is an exciting pilot scheme in the making for Liverpool). We can still hang that Christmas stocking, and feel that festive vibe. And, of course, peace and goodwill to all, cannot emphasise that enough.
WORDS: Jean Hill
Paul Askew of The Art School and Joint Chair of Liverpool Hospitality shared the good news on national TV yesterday morning. He foresees confidence returning and sees the mass testing as a lifeline for the city and hospitality.
People in Liverpool have the opportunity to be tested for Covid-19 under the UK government’s and local council’s initiative for city-wide mass testing that simplifies the challenges of tracking and tracing. Mass testing tackles Covid-19 head on, and identifies those who may be asymptomatic themselves but are capable of spreading the virus unintentionally. Further details of how this will work will emerge before Friday 6th November 2020. There will be online access: you can attend existing centres, and new sites for testing will be created.
In the meantime, hospitality could use a little tender loving care. We have a few suggestions on how helping yourself to gorgeous food, will also support the hospitality industry. We can personally recommend the restaurants listed. We have enjoyed great food at each and every one of them.
The Art School
Paul Askew of The Art School and Joint Chair of Liverpool Hospitality discussed the good news on national TV this morning. He foresees confidence returning and sees the mass testing as a lifeline for the city and hospitality. You can buy a Christmas hamper on-line via the shop.
http://theartschoolrestaurant.co.uk/shop/
0151 230 8600
Justino’s Ristorante & Bar
We enjoyed an outside meal at Justino’s just a few weeks ago. Their fish, especially the sea-bass, is sparklingly fresh and tastes crisp, juicy and flakes beautifully. The is an Italian family restaurant, and they take pride in the attention to detail. They make their own pasta and it is a thing of beauty.
They deliver 5 miles around Justino´s Ristorante from 4pm to 9 pm every day, which is in the Aigburth area of the city. Please ring: 01514271155 and place your order.
Takeaway and delivery will be available from Thursday 5th November. Check the web-site for details of takeaway and delivery or call.
Lunya
Lunya does seriously good tapas. Produce is locally sourced and specialities are imported from Spain for authenticity. Check out the shop: you can choose from fresh and frozen fish and meat, gift vouchers, hampers and charcuteria and meat. A feast in the making.
In the words of Peter & Elaine Kinsella: “We are so enormously grateful for the support we are receiving by placing orders and buying vouchers. These all help to enable us to financially get through this dreadful time and stay strong and viable when this is all over. Even now, there are still problems with some supply lines and there may be an occasional delay or substitution and rest assured, we are doing everything to fulfil all orders as soon as possible. To expedite dispatch, we will use our best judgement if we are out of stock of an item to select a very close match as a substitute, unless you tell us otherwise. Much love and the best of health, Peter & Elaine. Thank you x”
Check for terms and conditions before placing an order. PS. Any online shop enquiries should be directed to orders (at) lunya.co.uk
0151 7069770
Casa Italia Liverpool
We were lucky enough to enjoy a vegan ‘banquet’ at Casa Italia back at the beginning of the year. We had the best tasting pizza ever: substantial and rich flavour with gorgeous fresh herbs and a crispy pliant base. And I learnt how to cook mushrooms to maximise their flavour with garlic, olive oil, selection of herbs and intense heat involved. We left with Bettina Campolucci Bordi’s: 7 Day Vegan Challenge cookbook, which was a definite bonus. I love the recipes, and the simplicity of the ingredients.
Collections for takeaway will be from 1 Regent Street Liverpool L37BN. There is still a delivery option from UberEats & Deliveroo.
Maray at the Royal Albert Dock
In this Mediterranean and North African restaurant, vegetables take on a starring role. Heritage carrots, with rose harissa ( North African hot chili pepper paste) and lemon, delivers a vibrant spark to the sweet crunch. Butternut squash merges with feta, and the salty sharp taste of the feta, enhances the subtle flavour of the squash.
There is a Middle Eastern influence with Persian bread, dips, labneh (yoghurt in the form of soft cheese) and accompaniments that please. All this and creamy hummus, squishy dates and chewy, juicy apricots. We loved the sweet potato with dates and the molasses and tahini delivers a depth of rich sticky flavour.
Delifonseca at Brunswick Dock
We had one of the most enjoyable and fun meals of last year at Delifonseca. We checked the chalk board and made our choices. We took advice on the wine which was chosen to complement the food we ordered. The atmosphere was relaxed, the service was faultless, and I had the best Persian lamb stew of my entire life – the lamb was ever so slightly scorched, yet spicy, moist and tender. The food-hall will remain open, and food can be ordered and collected or delivered. You can order your own bundle of meat with Edge & Son resident butcher. Or you might go for a vegetable box, a cheese counter lucky dip offering, or the store cupboard essentials package. The choice is all yours.
https://hampers.delifonseca.co.uk/
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