Not many locations in the UK are as well known for their artistic connections as St Ives, and I will leave it to others to eulogise about the particular qualities of the light, the colours etc. Suffice to say, we had a lovely wander round the rambling town centre, up and down alleyways, pottering round gift shops, and admiring the painting in shop windows. We didn't have a chance to spend time on the renowned Porthmeor or Porthminster beaches (next time!), but did enjoy spending time at the harbour watching the boats and comings and goings.
Right on the harbour in St Ives is this branch of Pizza Express, where we were invited to sample the new summer menu. I headed straight for this lush Watermelon Chill, a refreshing blend of watermelon, strawberry puree and mint. So refreshing, all we needed was some sunshine!
The girls are all huge fans of Pizza Express and would eat there most days if they could! This family-friendly stalwart always has plenty to keep the smalls occupied and offers their favourite foods, so they are happy as Larry!
The legendary dough balls need no introduction, and are now available in a gluten-free option too. Steve chose the large adult starter of dough balls with different dips which we hadn't tried before, including spicy pestorissa, a harissa spiced tomato dip, a delicious green pesto and the delicious Pizza Express garlic butter.
I was tempted by the new Antipasto for one dish, but was more in the mood for fresh flavours, so chose the zingy tomato and red onion bruschetta, generously topped with more of that delicious pesto. Yum!
Our Queen of Pizza, Lara - it must be the Italian genes! - was delighted to order her favourite Margherita with mushrooms and tucked in with gusto. Tatiana and Sophia both chose the kids tomato past, which was creamy and tomatoey and well-seasoned. They both enjoyed it very much.
Steve still eats meat occasionally and was a little bit tempted when he saw that Pizza Express have added their own version of the famous Hawaiian to the menu. Combining strong Prosciutto Crudo with a contrasting sweet chilli pineapple chutney, sharp red onion, and finished with a sprinkling of chilli flakes on top of a creamy béchamel sauce and crispy Romana base, this will win over Hawaiian fans old and new.
But in the end, Steve went for his old favourite, the Fiorentina, while I had the Giardiniera, both were lovely as ever.
The contrast between our girls was obvious when it came to dessert, with Tatiana pining passionately for the chocolate brownie dusted with icing sugar and a half strawberry, and her sisters getting very excited at the addition of fresh melon to the children's dessert menu! Just look at Sophia's cheeky face.
Steve and I had a bit of a tiff about the dessert, but in the end decided to both go for the new Passionate Mess, a tropical twist on the traditional Eton Mess idea. Pairing a bright zingy passionfruit-infused cream with a crumbly biscuit base and a topping of broken meringue pieces is a match made in Heaven. Heartily recommended!
Right on the harbour in St Ives is this branch of Pizza Express, where we were invited to sample the new summer menu. I headed straight for this lush Watermelon Chill, a refreshing blend of watermelon, strawberry puree and mint. So refreshing, all we needed was some sunshine!
The girls are all huge fans of Pizza Express and would eat there most days if they could! This family-friendly stalwart always has plenty to keep the smalls occupied and offers their favourite foods, so they are happy as Larry!
The legendary dough balls need no introduction, and are now available in a gluten-free option too. Steve chose the large adult starter of dough balls with different dips which we hadn't tried before, including spicy pestorissa, a harissa spiced tomato dip, a delicious green pesto and the delicious Pizza Express garlic butter.
I was tempted by the new Antipasto for one dish, but was more in the mood for fresh flavours, so chose the zingy tomato and red onion bruschetta, generously topped with more of that delicious pesto. Yum!
Our Queen of Pizza, Lara - it must be the Italian genes! - was delighted to order her favourite Margherita with mushrooms and tucked in with gusto. Tatiana and Sophia both chose the kids tomato past, which was creamy and tomatoey and well-seasoned. They both enjoyed it very much.
Steve still eats meat occasionally and was a little bit tempted when he saw that Pizza Express have added their own version of the famous Hawaiian to the menu. Combining strong Prosciutto Crudo with a contrasting sweet chilli pineapple chutney, sharp red onion, and finished with a sprinkling of chilli flakes on top of a creamy béchamel sauce and crispy Romana base, this will win over Hawaiian fans old and new.
But in the end, Steve went for his old favourite, the Fiorentina, while I had the Giardiniera, both were lovely as ever.
If pizza isn't your thing, why not try the new creamy salmon Risotto Fresco, or the Leggera Superfood Salad, a delicious mix of green lentils, black rice, edamame beans, red quinoa, chickpeas, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and kale on a bed of seasonal mixed leaves, rocket, cucumber, roasted red & yellow peppers, red onion and fresh parsley?
Steve and I had a bit of a tiff about the dessert, but in the end decided to both go for the new Passionate Mess, a tropical twist on the traditional Eton Mess idea. Pairing a bright zingy passionfruit-infused cream with a crumbly biscuit base and a topping of broken meringue pieces is a match made in Heaven. Heartily recommended!
Thanks for our delicious lunch Pizza Express!
Visit the Pizza Express website to find out more about the new menu, and to locate your nearest branch.