LONDON MUMMA: #restaurant review

Tuesday, 11 January 2022

Gallio, A Meditteranean Delight In London

If you ever want to step out of South London and head into the city for a bite to eat, I highly recommend my hidden secret which you will be able to find if you jump on he Jubilee line and head down to Canary Wharf, for its latest eaterie Gallio.

Mum, Leanora and I were invited down to taste their delights on offer back when they first opened early December, but unsure times we decided to wait, now no signs of as lock down, we decided what better way to start the new year and head on over to Gallio.

Located on the top floor of Canada Square centre, there you will find a lovely warming Mediterranean restaurant serving all the good stuff.

Pizza, check! flat breads check! various scrumptious dips check, sharing bowls and vibrant salads, check check check what more can us girls ask for.

There are a few staff on hand and every single one even down to the chef were super lovely and inviting, not just us but to all guests, they instantly made you feel at is.

With a great selection of food on the menu we were stuck on what to order but the staff were on hand and offered their suggestions, we went for a few small plates to share, olives, roasted garlic hummus and the grilled Moroccan chicken shish. These took a few moments to put together and brought out swiftly and honest to god lasted no time in front of us.

Whilst we awaited for freshly made pizzas we ordered the tears of the gods, no word of a lie the most delicious drinks I ever had, the 'black cheery cooler' highly recommended by the lovely waitress the moment I had a sip, my mouth exploded! In a good way, all of a sudden it felt like i could hear the gods singing and saying my name in delight, no drink ever has packed a punch like that, well until I tried the 'hibiscus and cucumber' to then i thought I was going to burst into tears, i have to say that was truly emotional heartwarming moment for me trying these drinks.

Then came out the pizza, the margherita and the proper ham & mushroom, from the most amazing pizza oven right from the open plan kitchen. It only took a few minutes, all bubbled and crisped to sheer perfection ready for us to enjoy and devour and boy was it good.

We also ordered a mix and match salad to go with our pizza, the roasted tender stem broccoli, quinoa tabbouleh (my fave) and the caesar salad.

By this point you would of thought we were full, but the food is so fresh and light, I felt great normally I would of felt bloated and full but I felt great, I believe this is due to the freshness and great quality ingredients used and because of this we simply could not say no to a little desert, we shared the most decadent yet light lemon swirl cheesecake and 3 little piggies ended the meal with the three scoops gelato, which consisted of the amarena cherry & almond, pistachio and vanilla all beautifully made and refreshing.

Every bite sheer perfection.

We waddles on out, all three content little piggies had a little stroll around Canary wharf, before headed back home for a little snooze.

You will find Gallio at; Upper level 2, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf E14 4QT

I can't recommend here enough!

Great for family eats, dates, lunch, work meetings, I honestly can't think of any occasion that it wouldn't suit!

Lindsey

#canary wharf

Manuka Kitchen, Fulham

You see, it’s half term and this week we’ve been out and about all week, off to the cinema, stomping around London sightseeing and exploring our hometown and whilst doing so we’ve built up quite an appetite, so with four bellies rumbling we decide to head to Manuka Kitchen, the independent award winning restaurant located in the heart of Fulham.

Looking for something cosy and intimate, be it with the kids or friends to even date night, then Manuka Kitchen is the perfect Aladdin’s hidden cave just for you.

The restaurant is big supporters of their locally sourced suppliers, with values that match their own and I love to support businesses that supports their locals too.

But let’s get down to the good stuff, it’s been a windy wet week so let’s dive right in to Manuka Kitchen as I can not wait to show you what this independent award winning restaurant has to serve up.

When eating out with kids, especially in a new place it can be hard to know what they would like, you want them to have a nourishing dish.

Getting settled at the table and having the kids wash there hands, we ordered a selection of hot drinks, my favourite The beetroot latte, hot chocolate for the girls and goldyn mylk, for the other mumma.Whilst perusing and drooling over the healthy seasonal menu, what do we spot but blueberry pancakes Leanora’s favourite, if she could have her way and eat them everyday she certainly would. I mean just look at how fluffy they are, I was a little sneaky and pinched a bit of Leanoras, after all sharing is caring!

Home-cured salmon royal.

Perfectly cooked, super fresh, the eggs are poached to pure perfection, honestly the best royal I’ve had.

Crunchy pot, a nice light and refreshing granola and Greek yoghurt pot with a. Sprinkling of pomegranate.

To share between us the Garden Scrambled Egg, it was so good I could have eaten that also all to myself.

What I love about local bistros like Manuka Kitchen is that it’s seasonal products on offer, items on the menu that you would happily eat anytime of the day, what’s even more of a delight the menu changes monthly, but glad some of our favourites will always be on there, it’s a delightful intimate setting that will keep you guessing and wishing for the updated menu the following month.

If you are looking for good quality food and a great dining experience, or a healthy stack of pancakes loaded with warming maple syrup and fresh blueberries to keep you fueled, then Manuka Kitchen is where you need to be.

Guys, if you have been here what have been your favourite dishes? If you’ve not what are you waiting for let me know in the comments below your thoughts or your recent gem of a find.

You can find Manuka Kitchen at; 510 Fulham Road, London SW6 5NJ or to make a reservation call 02077367588

Lindsey

Disclaimer: this post was a paid collaboration, but all words are my own

#dining

Lunch In Clapham, Megan's

An utterly new charming restaurant has recently opened in my home town of clapham. Hungry as always and eaten in pretty much every restaurant in Clapham for lunch, I was pleasantly surprised to find a new restaurant nestled in the heart of Clapham Old Town, Megan’s.

I met up with a few friends for lunch, for a little catch up and we are all big foodies, so it was the natural choice to come here for lunch, that way we can all get something different and able to share the Mediterranean delights that Megan’s have to offer, well they didn’t know it, but I’m always thinking ahead, well belly first.

Limited to an hour, we didn’t bother with starters we got stuck in to mains straight away.

After a night out drinking and partying, I always will be naughtily found in a kebab shop, I mean who doesn’t love a good kebab, but the next day you can be left feeling very questionable. We’ll roll up to Megan’s and they too serve kebabs, ‘Posh Kebabs’ to be precise, so it would be rude not to order these.

2 lamb doners, served on the fluffiest of flat breads, with harissa hummus, pickles, feta and pistachio with the most mouth-wateringly delicious fall off the bone lamb shoulder was simply divine and melts in the mouth, was followed by a lot of ‘mmms’ and ‘aahhs’ and lot of eye rolls. If I could I would be more than happy to just eat a bowl a hefty one of this lamb shouler.

Beth went with the moorish chicken, served with peanut dukka, it was nice and light and fresh, but don’t be fooled it sure packs a punch in flavour, I did end up eating this with her or for her, however you like.

Now when I see halloumi fries on a menu, anything halloumi in fact, it would be rude not too order. They were crispy on the outside and salty and delicious on the inside, followed with a pot of normal fries of course.