An Italian-inspired twist on a Sunday roast
Tozi Grand Café and Counter, Battersea Power Station
You may well have noticed; we’ve been reviewing a lot of roasts recently. From pubs to restaurants, summer or winter, roasts really are king in London, and it’s our mission to find the best of the best.
Perhaps one of the most interesting and riveting things about living in London is the fact that it houses so many twists on a classic, and the great British roast dinner is no exception.
This Sunday in question was a particularly drizzly and dark afternoon, the perfect moody backdrop to an indulgently satisfying, large and filling lunch. Where to? This time is was TOZI Grand Cafe and Counter, part of the gorgeous art’otel Battersea, and located a stone’s throw from Battersea Power Station – perhaps one of London’s most Christmassy destinations.
With the Glide ice rink moments away, and some much loved high street and designer stores nestled in the Power Station, it’s the ideal stop off after partaking in some festive retail therapy.
The entrance to Tozi is really quite dramatic. You can tell art and design were at the forefront of this planning process. Think sweeping ceilings, bold colour pops and floor to ceiling glass windows, which gives the space a real modern European feel. You could be in Paris or Rome.
Italy is the influence, and this is translated in its twist on the Sunday roast. The Porketta is the restaurant’s Sunday dish and the only option for roast lovers. That said, there’s a varied and delicious sounding pasta menu served alongside. We did spot a cheese wheel and the experts creating mouth-watering cacio e pepe, but alas, we were here for the roast this time.
Before the main event, we started with some Italian small plates including a Chicory Salad served with gorgonzola and muscat grapes, as well as Mushroom Arancini topped with grated parmesan. Each dish was really rich, the muscat grapes giving a delightful aroma and bold taste when paired with the strong cheese. The mushroom arancini was perfectly earthy and satisfying with a smooth and consistent texture.
Onto the Porketta, the dish that is rooted in tradition. This is a rolled pork belly stuffed with fennel, garlic and herbs, slow-roasted – served with all the trimmings including rosemary & garlic roasted potatoes, greens, and apple sauce. The skin was nice and crispy and pork belly moist and flavourful. The herbs added the Italian flavour we know and love. Very delicious.
The best thing about dining on a Sunday in an Italian restaurant means there are Italian desserts! We went for a classic Tiramisu and a Limoncello Meringue – both decadently creamy and rich in flavour. The service was excellent, and there were some interesting twists on classic cocktails. We trialled an Olive Oil Negroni which was a really intriguing taste and flavour, deep but wish the freshness from the olives. The wine list is extensive, and the on-hand team will always have the best recommendations.
Post-meal you can relax with a quality coffee, or opt for a stroll along the River Thames which is just steps away from this fantastic destination. We will definitely be back – probably to try that cheese wheel pasta!
Visit www.tozigrandcafe.co.uk for more information
