For me tapas can be a disappointing dining option. Having just returned from Barcelona were these small plates are typically served with beer or a glass of wine as a snack they've taken on a new look here in England. Rather than sticking to authentic tapas such as juicy whitebait or freshly roasted peppers, all too often we're faced with some tomato sauce smeared potatoes and a bill for twice the size.
Newz however, proves this theory half wrong; it's a budget way to dine out and provides a substantial meal but they've twisted things even more on their new menu by changing it to incorporate Italian style tapas of all things.
A cosy well-known celebrity haunt in the centre of town the Piattini menu is new for 2008 and according to the manager it seems to have fallen into its stride with the locals. After a couple of cold bottled beers, we settled on soup of the day. My partner and I noted that the staff were graciously accommodating but then again they did know that I was there to review the place. First up was the chicken and bacon pasta salad (£3.95). This small dish actually set a low bench mark for what was to come as it was very greasy and the pasta was slightly hard. The seaford dish was much better - salt and pepper calamari (4.25), were in my view better than many found in any part of Spain.
The mushroom risotto (3.95) was delicious (nice and creamy) and the pepperoni pizette (£3.95) had that lovely oozing, ruptured look about it and tasted pleasingly greasy over a margherita base.
We decided to skip desert and instead went straight for a latte each (£1.95). My advice would be if you want to enjoy Newz to the full, you'll need to shell out to some degree.
Although the menu also offers some "Old Newz Favourites" like pork ribs, spicy potato wedges and fish, chips and mushy peas we weren't given the choice when we arrived and were just directed to the tapas section of the menu.
That being the case, the food was pleasant enough. I just wish we'd ordered more.
Newz
18 Water Street
Liverpol
L2 8TD
T: 0151 236 2025..
