Artisan Raw Dining In Trendy Notting Hill, London W11

Ever since Nama Artisan Raw Foods opened up in classy London suburb of Notting Hill (a stones throw from the Portobello Road) I've been wanting to visit.  I finally took myself, a friend, and a healthy appetite there in May.  The small restaurant is decorated a la minimalist, clean lines and seven shades of white. Its large, glass front was streaming in the afternoon sunshine.  It felt fresh and clean.  Just the atmosphere for being with friends and enjoying a healthy raw gourmet treat.  I'd gotten a bit lost (I blame it on Google maps!) getting to the restaurant so I was properly hungry and ready for a spot of weekend feasting!

My (very patient!) friend had been waiting for me to arrive so he had already perused the menu and chosen the dish he wanted.  After a quick scan and a tussle between curry and a sushi platter I settled on the cauliflower based Thai Coconut Curry, and he opted for the Lasagne Verdure.  We shared a small plate of sauerkraut and crackers as something to stop the gnawing hunger (and our stomachs noisily signalling it was time to eat!).  We did not wait too long before our friendly server brought us our dishes.  10 out of 10 for presentation, but what about the taste test?  The Coconut Curry was delicious with a lovely coconut based sauce. Full of flavour and just the correct amount of heat (for me).  The rice made from kohlrabi pulsed in a blender, was the perfect light accompaniment.  My friend cleared his plate and declared the lasagne a triumph.

I wasn't particularly hungry after my rich curry (the sauce is made from fresh young coconut) so we decided to share the plate of Selection of Sweet Treats for dessert.  Which we both expected to have a taster of the fermented blueberry cheesecake on, but alas it comprised of a rather disappointing array of small raw, heavily date based confections.  One of the bites however, did stand out from the rest and I could have eaten a ton of them. A sweet, delicate the trio of coconut nibbles. They tasted just like a Bounty Bar!  Lovely. But why give three on a platter that two people were sharing?! War could have erupted right there!  Next time I will just ask for a plate of coconut treats (all to myself!).

The restaurant was not packed, as most of the diners were seated outside. I suspect evenings would be much busier and so have more of a buzzing atmosphere. Whatever time of day, I will definitely return.  As would my carnivorous dining companion.  

Cost for our raw organic lunch, without drinks, for both was just under £50.  Not bad for such salubrious surroundings in the heart of London.

Note: An optional 12.5%  tip is automatically added to the bill. 

Everything on the menu is vegan, wheat and dairy free.

Nama Artisan Raw Foods

1. 110 Talbot Road, London W11 1JR

   020 7313 4638

Gluten Free Pizza Bases & Flatbreads - Allergy Friendly

Chewy bread with oh so satisfying pullapartedness and a oily, crunchy outer layer…I've salivated over the memory of it, enjoyed on a Friday night after work, alongside a pizza, way, way back in my butter and wheat eating days.  When the after effects of 'pizza night' made it loose it's appeal, I surrendered myself to the reality that I'd just have to go without.  Of course, I could have made it myself but, to be honest, back then, I didn't believe it would come up to scratch so I didn't bother.  Also, back then, I didn't cook.  I was a microwave queen.

A couple of weeks ago, I went to a Free From food show, and spotted one of the stands handing out small round pizzas to a very excited crowd. The fragrance of caramelised garlic and dough was blowing my mind.  I grabbed a slice. I encountered that familiar tug of war between teeth and bread.  It was chewy, with a gorgeously flaky crust, infused with garlic and sweet tomato sauce.  I was in HEAVEN!  

Just who were making this product…and how?! Please take a bow - Venice Bakery UK

The folks from this bakery have recently partnered with the, family owned, original bakery, founded in California back in the 50's. They made the outstanding decision to share their Coeliac (celiac) UK approved flatbreads and pizzas over here in Blighty.  And I am mighty pleased about that.

Gluten free

Wheat free

Soy free

Dairy free

Egg free

Corn free

VEGETARIAN & VEGAN friendly

Their products are also trans fats free, non-GMO, and are free from culinary gums and E numbers.  Are you falling in love yet?  I am!

They have a long shelf life. If you travel a whole bunch and, like me, pack a little pantry of food in your suitcase to tide you over until you track down the whole foods store, then these are perfect, too.  They are vacuum packed and last for 2 months.  And longer, if chilled or frozen.  

I smothered my pizza base in tomato concentrate, a grinding of black pepper and a few basil leaves. Nothing else.  The base is so nicely seasoned and flavoured, it is gorgeous as is, or with minimal adornment.  The flatbread I just drizzled in extra virgin olive oil, scrubbed over with a garlic clove, and topped with fresh rosemary.

Ingredients: Rice flour, tapioca flour, potato flakes, potato start, water, evaporated cane sugar, olive oil, fresh yeast & salt.

My only gripe is that the products contain sugar (for those of you who have not yet quit sugar then no need to worry) but according to Rachel of Freshly Baked sugar is not necessary to make bread, it just makes it prove more quickly but she thinks the flavour develops the longer the yeast gets to hang out.  I rarely eat sugar. It can knock me off balance. The way I see it is this, on occasion (keep it special) it is ok.  The fact that I have found a pizza base that is gluten free, trans fat free and vegan, is a bloody dream come true!  Also,  now I know it can be done.  I will try and replicate it when I get time.  But right now I don't have to as someone has done it for me.  This isn't your typical, 'make allowances because it's gluten free' product.  It is top notch.

It is sold to the UK online from Venice Bakery   3 x 5inch bases are £3.39.  They have an offer for a sampler pack for £10, saving of just under £5.  If you are in the US then you can order it from their Venice Bakery USA store online.

Have you come across any vegan and gluten free products lately, you want to tell us about?  Please let us know and click on the post a comment tab below.