eSphincter The Final eSphincterr | Page 32

A M R I TA S H E RG I L L 5TH YEAR POST LOCKDOWN LIVERPOOL FOOD CRAW L Liverpool is every foodie’s dream as it’s home to a cornucopia of independently- run restaurants, bars and cafés. There are eateries on every street you turn down, and regardless of what day of the week it is, they will all be busy. Except, if that day of the week happens to fall during the COVID-19 lockdown of Spring/Summer 2020… If you’re anything like me, you’ll be missing Liverpool’s epic food scene already, dreaming about the meals you’re missing most and thinking of where you’ll be visiting first when this is all over. In case you need some inspiration, I thought this would be a great opportunity to write a little something about some of my favourite food spots in everyone’s favourite city. Of course, most of the independent faves are well-known – LEAF, Tiger Rock, Little Furnace, Cuthbert’s Bakehouse, Il Forno and so on. So I’m going to give a mention to a couple of amazing places that seem to be less well known – ones that some people still tell me they’ve not heard of. Nolita Cantina – Bold St. This is a go-to amongst my friends, a real gem! Simply the best burgers, chips and sandwiches in Liverpool, in my humble opinion. The burger meat is divine, the choice of topping combinations is genius, the sandwich bread is a locally baked delicacy, and the fries are perfectly seasoned. The portion sizes are generous to say the least – all the well-topped burgers are served with a mountain of mixed fries, as well as salad and slaw. A no-brainer when you’re in need of a sensationally flavoured meat fix. (NB veggie/pesce options also available). Bacaro – Castle St. A perfect location for special occasions or when your parents are in town as this is a slightly fancier (and pricier) place. It serves decadent, richly flavoured Italian small plates. The tapas style menu means you can bless your taste buds with a whole selection of their exquisite dishes in one sitting –garlicy fried seafood, truffle pizza, creamy risotto, succulent ragu, and much more. The beautiful interior makes it the perfect setting for special evenings, and as it’s on Castle St there are lovely bars just steps away for those pre and post dinner drinks. Enjoy! Malmo – Hanover St. Located in the MYA building on the busy Hanover St, Malmo might be easy to miss. It’s a great little breakfast and lunch place with authentic Scandinavian flavours and a real focus on fresh, organic ingredients. The vibrant dishes serve as an excellent reminder that healthy food does not have to be boring – stalk their tagged posts on insta for photographic evidence. Plus the key is all about balance which is why it would be rude not to indulge in one of their waffle stacks or homemade bakes to compliment your delicious, nutritious brunch! After your first post- lockdown night out, this is the perfect place for that hangover-cure breakfast in a chilled setting with all the Scandi vibes. 32