London Life UK caught up with the guys from Donatina’s Kitchen, whose first Pop Up takes place this Saturday. So if you love the idea of trying the latest thing on the London Pop Up scene read on.
What is your pop up?
We are Donatina’s Kitchen, and we’re putting on a special Neapolitan feasting evening on Saturday 28th September in west London. It will feature six different traditional Neapolitan dishes, plus a few treats thrown in.
Why did you decide to set it up?
We believe that to eat well isn’t a luxury, it’s a right, and we had become tired of some of the overpriced and disappointing food in London, especially since we have such a diverse mix of cultures here along with some great produce. Our aim is to bring authentic, affordable Neapolitan food to London using our family’s original recipes.
What makes your pop up so special?
Most Italian restaurants will offer food from all over the country, but we don’t necessarily believe in generic ‘Italian food’ as it differs so dramatically from region to region. At Donatina’s we’ll only be feeding you authentic dishes from the south of Italy.
On Saturday we will also be playing Scopa, a card game from the south of Italy which can get a bit heated….
What is your favourite memory so far?
We had been friends for over a decade before we set up Donatina’s – this has given us free licence to discuss food on a virtually full time basis.
Where can we normally find you?
We will be all over London – watch out for us a food markets, distilleries and at our regular pop-up events. And of course, if you spot us in a pub around town, come over and say hi!
What is your favourite dish and drink?
We love pizza chi cicole – it’s a special bread made in the tiny villages near Benevento made from pork fat and layered with pancetta and pork belly. Not one for the dieters, but totally delicious! We’re also big fans of Strega – a bright yellow coloured liquor made with herbs and coloured with saffron. Its name means ‘witch’.
Why should we come and visit you?
Sharing a good meal with friends, new and old, is one of the greatest pleasures. Our events are a lot of fun, with typical southern Italian food served in a warm atmosphere – it’s like Sunday lunch in Italy with a group of friends.
Aside from yourselves what are you favourite Pop Ups?
We love the Gingerline events, they are such fun and quirky events, and we’re committed Gingerliners. Big Apple hotdogs are pretty delicious, and no one does slabs of meat quite like Forza Win.
And finally what exciting events, news etc. have you got coming up?
We will shortly be holding a very special event with our friends at a local distillery in Battersea. Along with Sunday lunch, guests will sample some excellent cocktails and will be guided around the distillery itself. More information to come soon….
If this sounds like your kind of Pop Up,you can find out more info and book tickets via their website