Franco Manca

Open Mon–Sun midday–11pm

Posted by Jessica Baldwin on 20/07/2010

Following on from the huge success of their initial Brixton market branch, Franco Manca launched their first sister restaurant in leafy Chiswick earlier this year. The restaurant has a relaxed, rustic feel with beautiful traditional tiles, chunky wooden tables and strings of garlic hanging over the open pizza kitchen, giving it a relaxed, homely feel. It has already gained a loyal, local following which is not surprising when you consider their top-notch, organic ingredients and miniscule prices.

Having chosen to dine at one of their alfresco tables fringing the bustling Chiswick High Road, my friend and I pondered the drinks menu. Despite a good list of organic wines available by the bottle they disappointingly only have one variety available by the glass; a nondescript, pungent Italian house white (£2.75), which was served tepid. However there were some delicious soft options available such as their sweet, homemade, organic lemonade (£1.90).

The pizza menu is simple with only six varieties; on our waiter's recommendation I opted for ‘number 4’ (£6.40), a tangy fusion of tomato, garlic, oregano, capers, olives, anchovy and mozzarella. The sourdough base was deliciously thin and the crusts were springy and moist. The passata was bursting with flavour and despite being overly salty, I found the capers and olives complimented the sweetness of the base.
 My friend, Annika ordered the unusually cheesy ‘number 2’ (£5.95) featuring mozzarella, buffalo ricotta and wild mushrooms. Although intriguing, I found the heavy toppings weighed down the base and the absence of passata resulted in a slightly bland, dry pizza which we managed to liven up with a drizzle of chilli-infused olive oil.

For desert we shared the raspberry yoghurt polenta torte (£2.90) which was deliciously moist and flavoursome, but the excessive use of honey in the presentation made it far too sweet.

This is not the place for a romantic dinner date, but it is an ideal option for a family feast or a catch up with friends. What Franco Manca lacks in sophisticated wines and complex menus it makes up for in great quality ingredients, simple, authentic cooking and amazing value for money.

Dinner for two, around £40, including wine.

144 Chiswick High Road, W4; 020 8747 4822; www.francomanca.co.uk

Food Fanatic

Updated by Hannah Palmer on 27/07/2010

Bistro K has introduced kids and parents cookery classes, with the next one taking place on Saturday 7 August. Hosted by head chef, Armand Sablon, you will be guided through how to make fabulous French treats including quiche lorraine and raspberry soufflé. Then, after you’ve prepared the dishes, you can enjoy them in the restaurant. The lesson starts at 3pm with a charge of £20 (for one child and one adult). Call to book.

Bistro K, 117–119 Old Brompton Road, SW7;
www.bistro-k.co.uk; 020 7373 7774.

Have you spotted the '40s Citroën H van on the terrace of the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen in Hyde Park? It’s the latest pop-up bar (it’ll be here until it gets too cold) to hit the city. Gin is the drink of choice – think Blackwood’s, limited edition Blackwood’s with an increased ABV of 60 per cent, Plymouth Gin or Hendrinks served long.

Gin Bar, Serpentine Road, W2; 020 7706 8114

Jamie Hits Westfield. Check out Jamie Oliver's new Italian restaurant at Westfield shopping centre, part of his chain of collaborations with Gennaro Contaldo. According to Jamie they are 'brilliant Italian restaurants serving beautiful, well-sourced food at affordable prices', so what are you waiting for?

www.jamieoliver.com/italian

Tom Aikens Pops Up in Parson's Green... This summer, Cloudy Bay wine is teaming up with top chef Tom Aikens, for the return of the Cloudy Bay Shack – a pop-up kitchen that will visit Parsons Green on 24 and 25 July between 11am and 8pm. The Cloudy Bay Shack will offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a glass of one of the Cloudy Bay wines matched to a summer menu created by Tom Aikens, who will be cooking on-site.

Celebrity Spot! Madonna was seen at Tom’s [226 Westbourne Grove, W11] recently launched afternoon tea – think homemade scones with jam and Cornish clotted cream, honey roast Sussex ham and mustard sarnies and Chegworth juices. Served from 3pm, £8.50 per person.

www.tomsdelilondon.co.uk

Gelato Mio has some competition...gelateria Dri Dri has just opened on 189 Portobello Road, W11. The Italian ice-cream is made onsite using top-notch ingredients with flavours including Sicilian pistachio, biscotto (artisanal cookies from Lugano) and custard cream (free-range egg and Sorrento lemon peel). La dolce vita!

Ready, Steady, Eat...The Electric Brasserie, Portobello Road, is offering a new, speedy Beat The Clock summer menu. Choose a main course and drink for £10 from the daily changing menu; find treats like summer chicken casserole, spaghetti vongole and violet artichoke and broad bean salad. If your meal doesn't arrive within 10 minutes it's on the house!

www.electricbrasserie.com