Dinner with Strada

Last week I was kindly invited out for a blogger dinner with the Italian restaurant Strada. We were treated like Queens! Alongside free-flowing prosecco and white wine, we were given canapés and three courses in front of one of the city's most famous landmarks - London Bridge. It was such a wonderful evening and so lovely to get to know like-minded bloggers who are obsessed with food!

I have to be honest and admit that I tend to stay away from most chain restaurants as I think the food scene in London is of such a high quality, it seems a shame to go somewhere with mass produced food. But I will eat my hat! Strada has bucked the trend and is producing fresh, tasty food for its customers.

We were given plump green nocellara olives to start. Next up was a fresh caprese salad consisting of creamy buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The perfect dish to help soak up the summer! Then I tried Burrata for the first time draped on top of proscuitto ham with crunchy toast - my favourite of the tasters. Creamy risotto and tender rare steak followed. Finally we were presented with a crispy veal covered in crunchy breadcrumbs. My belly was already feeling full and then we were told we would be treated to a three course meal of our choice. Wow!

For my starter I couldn't help but opt for the Spring Veggie Bruschetta on such a warm evening. Peas, spring onions and soya beans were mixed with creamy ricotta, mint and a squeeze of bitter lemon. It was the perfect portion size and the soft cheese went brilliantly with the crunchy slice of bread. For my main I chose the Cavatappi Genovese. El dente corkscrew pasta was smothered in basil nuts, topped with crunchy pine nuts alongside a scattering of soft new potatoes and fresh green beans. Delicious! I never wanted the bowl of pasta to run out! Finally for my dessert I wanted something light to counteract such a huge meal! The lemon sorbet was a no brainer. It was incredibly refreshing - just the ticket to end such a fantastic meal.

I joined the head chef of the restaurant to attempt to spin my own pizza base. He certainly made it look a lot easier than it was. Simply covered in a tart tomato sauce and nutty pesto, the pizza was divine. It tasted all the better knowing that I spun it myself. Not bad for my first attempt - but lets look over the fact it looks slightly oval!

I finally got the train home with a full belly, feeling a little merry and armed with an amazing personalised Strada apron. It was a lovely way to see out a Thursday - thanks for the invite guys! Big thanks to Angela and Felicia for catching me in action too!