Proving that ‘less’ is indeed ‘more’ in the London dining scene, Toasted has opened as a restaurant and wine shop in East Dulwich… on a site that was also formerly a restaurant and wine shop!
Previously known as Green and Blue, the owners of Toasted have completely stripped back everything from the menu to the interior and judging by the fan-base that the venue has acquired, their approach seems to have worked. The 80-seat space spans two main rooms and features a 10-seat bar, whilst quaint wooden tables, exposed brickwork and walls of wine bottles is about as far as the décor goes.
New Zealand-born chef Michael Hazlewood’s impressive CV includes positions at world renowned Attica in Melbourne, and more recently at London foodie favourites, Soif and The Green Man & French Horn. Hazlewood has created a daily changing menu based on available produce from small farmers and growers. The menu is a moving feast throughout the day, from healthily cooked items at breakfast and weekend brunch, to light lunches and full-on evening feasts – all with a wine friendly focus.
Hazlewood’s ability to deliver the most astounding flavours from just a handful of ingredients speaks volumes for both his understanding and ability with great produce. Highlights of the menu include a stunning dish of Raw mackerel with ginger & white soy; a plate of melt-in-your mouth Pork with pureed cauliflower & cabbage; and Fig with fresh honeycomb & sheeps milk blue cheese – a dish we would have happily eaten as a starter and pudding! Like so many new restaurants, the concept is sharing plates; however, with the diminutive portions and so many tempting dishes, it’s not difficult to spend over £50/head here.
With previous experience including stints at wineries in France and Italy as well as at London’s Vinoteca chain, manager Alex Thorp is given an opportunity to showcase passion for wine. Natural wine is a prime feature at Toasted, with four 300-litre stainless steel tanks taking pride of place in the dining room, filled with wine direct from the winemakers – apparently a first for London. This efficient, straight-to-the-customer method offers great quality and excellent value, with wine starting at £3/glass! A further regularly changing selection of 200 wines is also available, either to drink in or for takeaway.
Food: 5/5
Venue: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Cuisine type: European
Dinner for two (excluding drinks): £80
Wine: £4.50
Toasted
36-38 Lordship Lane,
East Dulwich, SE22 8HJ
Tel: 0208 693 9021
www.toastdulwich.co.uk
