Little Georgia

Last year I was lucky enough to go to Russia not once but twice. Not your obvious holiday destnation, but I was in St Petersburg to visit my friend who moved there for a year and the second time was for a competition win to Moscow! You won’t find anywhere like Russia. The architecture, history and their way of life makes for a place like no other. Sadly, for me, it was not the culinary delights that made these two cities among my favourite places to visit. That was until my friend took me to her favourite Georgian restaurant.

Georgian restaurants to Russia are what the Italian restaurant is to Britain. They pop up on every street corner, offering grub that put’s the native nosh to shame. It was here where I tried probably one of my top five favourite dishes ever: Katchapuri is essentially a pizza with 1 inch layer of melted cheese. Every stringy cheese slice looks like it is fresh out of a pizza ad and was everything that my empty stomach and Russian vodka hangover needed.

Katchapuri

After salivating at the mere mention of one of these cheesy delights, my friend suggested we hunt one down in London. We found everything we needed to rignite our Russian adventures in the form of Litte Georgia, Islington. It stays true to the food we ate in Russia. Set in a converted pub off Upper st, we were warmly welcomed in by our lovely waiter. We were drooling to see katchapuri on the menu and immediately ordered a large one while we chose shredded chicken, lightly spiced with Georgian herbs and a mezze of all the cold salads.

Shredded Chicken

The cold mushroom and bean salads need to be trusted and tasted to believe how good they are. I wouldn't miss the authentic Russian salad in the middle but I think a taste of everything is a really nice way to acquaint yourself with a new cuisine. Nuts, particularly walnuts also feature quite heavily in Georgian food. From wrapping them whole in slices of aubergine to making creamy nutty sauces to marinate chicken and pork in. The food is beautifully presented, every dish is sprinkled with bright pink pomegranate seeds.

The Mezze

The atmosphere in Little Georgia makes it even more special. My friend translated the overheard conversations of our fellow Russian and Georgian diners. It was the perfect soundtrack to relive our Russain travels.

I don’t quite understand why Georgian cuisne hasn’t earnt its place in British culture. Perhaps it’s because Ryanair hasn’t put Russia on its map yet. It really is a cuisine waiting to be discovered and I can’t wait for the day when someone says ‘Let’s all go out for a Georgian’. Until then I will continue spreading the tales of the Katchapuri.

*Coming Soon*

Said Jemma

My little Russian spy, Jemma will be sharing unmissable places to wine, dine and play in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Check back soon!