Where Chefs Eat: International Women’s Day Special
Meg from Llofft. Image from Facebook
To celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th March, I contacted some of my favourite women in the North Wales food industry, asking them a very important question - where they love to eat.
North Wales may be small, but our female talent is mighty!
Anna from Pontoon, Pwllheli
Anna (right) alongside Ed from &Caws, Mother Claire & brother Chris
Anna is part owner of Pontoon, who host sensational Mexican street food pop-up events. Every dish is heavily inspired by their travels around Mexico and the people they met along the way.
When it’s a sunny day, Castle Fish and Chips in Criccieth hits the spot - it’s just such a good chippy, and made even better when you can have it on the beach too!
Jones Pizza, Bangor - I’ve been a big fan since the Llyn Gwynant days! I absolutely loved the evenings they did at Braf when you can have it on the beach.
Bert’s Kitchen Garden, Trefor
…I think I’ve just realised having food on the beach is very important to me!
Berts is also a beautiful place over in Trefor, Gwynedd. Their seasonal house menu is great for chilled dinner with friends, and love the fact that they have pop-ups too.
Nomi from Nomi’s Restaurant, Pwllheli
Nomi with my wonderful Ollie Boi!
Along with husband Kartik, wife Nomi has created this absolutely *insane* Indian restaurant in the heart of Pwllheli. They have perfected a modern Indian cuisine menu but with a twist that appeals to all tastebuds.
Our favourite places to eat are very close by. Firstly, Just Mary’s in Abersoch - it’s a family run cafe offering a variety of brunches, light lunches made from local produce with many middle eastern-inspired dishes.
Brunch at Just Mary’s
We also love Two Islands, also in Abersoch. They’re a small batch ice cream parlour, who also make delicious cakes.
Elen from Llofft, Y Felinheli
(Source: @CoffiEryri, X)
Elen is one of the owners of the wonderful Llofft, alongside husband Dylan - It has to be one of my favourite new openings of 2023. Along with the help & support of the community, that have transformed The old Menai Bakery / Sail Loft into a sophistically quirky space, offering homecooked goodness.
+ 39… has to be one of my favourite boltholes - a stone’s throw from Felinheli but once there, I feel as if I’m on a unique culinary adventure - as this is a place where the Pinse is king rather than the Pizza!
The magnificent Pinse from +39, Menai Bridge
For me though it’s the classic Bruschetta every time - with the Italian (of course) olive oil (sold at the counter) sinking into the bread. Simple, yes but isn’t simple food made well with high quality ingredients all you need?? This is authentic Italian food (not a surprise as the Chef Alessio is Italian) at it’s very best - and nothing fussy and stuffy about here - it’s a place where everyone is welcome.
Diolch - Thank you to everyone that contributed. Hope you all have a great Internationa Women’s Day!
