Pizarro

A trend you'll notice if you read any of this blog is of no reservation policies, queues and waiting for tables, which is why I've still not been to Jose Pizarro's first solo venture on Bermondsey Street, Jose, where the stories of squeezing into the bar or even the pavement outside would try Mother Theresa's patience.

Despite this, Kris and I decided to try our luck last night at his second place on the same street, Pizarro. For a Saturday night in London that's a foolish feat; last Saturday I waited with Laleh for an hour and a half at Polpo before we were seated (we drank a carafe of red at the bar downstairs so it passed pretty quickly).

But it seems I'm on a lucky streak (note to self: buy a lotto ticket), because for the second night in a row I haven't had to wait (20-30 mins doesn't count) for a table. I had a glass of cava while I took in the atmosphere. All timber and soft lighting with cool modern light fittings. The staff were friendly and ready to help with the food and wine menu.

We ordered a bottle of Spanish white (a Chardonnay & Macabeo blend) to go with our squid and blood orange salad, pumpkin & blue cheese salad, artichoke and lentils, croquetas, and roast lamb. The lentils were a bit garlicky for me but the rest of the dishes were delicious. For dessert I had vanilla ice cream, moscatel grapes and PX which was very good although it didn't pack as much punch as Morito's version.

I would have said the wait was worth it, but I don't need to!