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The Tiny Italian

London / Places to eat

Polpo Soho

Polpo has been one of those places I have tried to have dinner at for ages, but have always faced at least an hour wait. An hour is far too long when I am hungry (as many of my friends can tell you) and can get very grouchy and can’t talk to anyone as food is the only thing on my mind.

However, the other day I was meeting up with the (gay) husband and I was lucky to be in  the centre of town for work. So as soon as my meeting finished, I put my fast strut on Iand headed over to Polpo. As you cant book or hold tables, I was harassing the hubby to leave his desk and meet me for a spritz ASAP. He knew i meant business, so he got there pretty quick.

My frist Spritz at Polpo

My frist Spritz at Polpo

I chose to eat at the bar, cos thats how I roll!!. I love to befriend the bar staff and try & gauge their faces when you order dishes to see if you have chosen well.

We got a selection of starters.

Starters

Starters

Potato & Parmesan crocchette

Fennel salami & radicchio grissini

Asparagus, taleggio, speck pizzetta

My faves were the crochettes and the pizzetta. The flavours were fantastic and I was def in food heaven.  If i had one grouch tho, the fennel salami and grissini dish was  £3.50 which I thought was a little ridiculous when you only get 2.My dad had a deli; i def know that they were making some serious mark up.  I found the croquettes really tasty so i did not mind too much at the time that they were £4. I def think that portions could be a little more generous tho to be in line with their price tags.

Then for Mains we got selection of dishes again.

Mains at Polpo

Mains at Polpo

Spicy pork & fennel meatballs

Market greens

Linguine vongole

Here I had no complaints. Portions were of decent size, the flavours were all there and good value for money. To be honest, I found myself finding it hard to share (only cos I’m piggy), but there was definitely enough food for 2 people

Then for dessert we finished with  the Flourless orange & almond cake that was served with mascarpone and 2 spoons. Now, i don’t have a huge sweet tooth but this was great way to finish the meal. It was beautifully light and again flavoursome.

Flourless Orange & almond cake

Flourless Orange & almond cake

 

I recommend Polpo. Perfect place for a 2nd or 3rd date or catch up with a friend.  I do think tho that if you went with a group of people you would have to order quite a multiple of dishes to feel satisfied and the bill could be quite expensive.

I have to admit, I was not sure what to expect at Polpo. As some know, I rarely go out for Italian food as I do believe some Italian restaurants in the UK really inflate their prices. I know in some instances i could rustle something better at home for a 1/4 of the price. However, considering this is not owned by an Italian, I got a great taste of Italian food and I left very happy. In regards to wine, the house white, Trebbiano was also excellent and great value for money, with a large carafe at £12

You can tell that someone has really taken care in ensuring that all the ingredients and cooking are of the highest quality. I fully respect that. No flavour fails here

 

Polpo Soho
41 Beak Street
London W1F 9SB
020 7734 4479

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The Tiny Italian

Ciao, I’m Paola I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert cook and teacher. I teach people to not only cook but teach them how to LOVE TO COOK. I help change peoples mindset by showing them that cooking is not only for 'FOODIES' and sharing the fun, stress-free side with recipes, tips and cooking experiences.

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Ciao, I’m Paola
Ciao, I’m Paola

Ciao, I’m Paola

I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert, cook and teacher. Cooking doesn't come easy to everyone. However, I help you LEARN to LOVE to cook and eat better with EASY SEXY HEALTHY Italian RECIPES. Plus TIPS and HACKS to build your kitchen CONFIDENCE. Come cook with me at one of my fun stress free cooking classes or courses. It’s all about helping others BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN SAUCE!

Follow Along

Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts.
So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections.
The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life.
Love should always come first.
Paola ❤️
#eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts. So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections. The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life. Love should always come first. Paola ❤️ #eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
7 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/2
SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. 
This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. 
It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:
Peas
Spinach
Leeks
Pancetta
Gnocchi 
Lemon
Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)
Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. 
Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. 
Anywhere enjoy guys. 
Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. 
#easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/2
@thetinyitalian

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Recent Posts

  • Timpano, a unique Spaghetti seafood pasta bake x Garofalo

    12th December 2022
  • World Pasta Day – Let’s talk about pasta diversity

    25th October 2022
  • A delicious mussel cannellini pasta x Garofalo pasta

    5th September 2022
Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts.
So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections.
The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life.
Love should always come first.
Paola ❤️
#eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts. So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections. The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life. Love should always come first. Paola ❤️ #eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
7 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. 
This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. 
It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:
Peas
Spinach
Leeks
Pancetta
Gnocchi 
Lemon
Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)
Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. 
Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. 
Anywhere enjoy guys. 
Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. 
#easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Cooking can calm your mind.
However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day.
However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻
It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. 
Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you  relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day.
Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together.
We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. 
#selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Cooking can calm your mind. However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day. However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻 It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day. Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together. We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. 
My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful  home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care.
From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself.  Whatever your body and mind needs.
Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. 
I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. 
There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship.
This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. 
Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. 
Paola
#homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care. From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself. Whatever your body and mind needs. Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship. This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. Paola #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
If you’re looking to make some time for some fun delicious cooking, make time for you and some self care. My online self care cooking community is all about taking out the stress and overwhelm that you may feel in the kitchen and transform your cooking relationship so that you find the fun, empowering and rewarding side to it.
Peoples poor relationships with food is sometimes caused by their resentment of having to cook dinner all the time or maybe they are someone who has always believed they can’t cook.
The two unfortunately go hand in hand. And if you want to eat better, you really have to rely on yourself to make that stick. No diet plan or meal plan is going to change how you feel about cooking fundamentally and we need that to change so that we can embrace home cooking for the self care it really can be in our lives.
I create this membership specifically for this reason. To be a helping hand, to motivate you, be your cheerleader and remind you that you are worth it. You deserve to nourish yourself with meals that will make you happy, give you pleasure and full of goodness. 
As well as monthly cook alongs you have an unlimited access to a recipe library which is updated weekly with gorgeous self care meal ideas so that you never have to wonder what to cook for dinner.
For more info head to the link in my bio.
Oh P.S. prices are going up from Feb onwards so if you want it to have your monthly membership at £35 join this week.
#cookingcommunity #onlinecookingclasses #cookathome #selfcaredaily #mindfulcooking #selfloveaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
If you’re looking to make some time for some fun delicious cooking, make time for you and some self care. My online self care cooking community is all about taking out the stress and overwhelm that you may feel in the kitchen and transform your cooking relationship so that you find the fun, empowering and rewarding side to it. Peoples poor relationships with food is sometimes caused by their resentment of having to cook dinner all the time or maybe they are someone who has always believed they can’t cook. The two unfortunately go hand in hand. And if you want to eat better, you really have to rely on yourself to make that stick. No diet plan or meal plan is going to change how you feel about cooking fundamentally and we need that to change so that we can embrace home cooking for the self care it really can be in our lives. I create this membership specifically for this reason. To be a helping hand, to motivate you, be your cheerleader and remind you that you are worth it. You deserve to nourish yourself with meals that will make you happy, give you pleasure and full of goodness. As well as monthly cook alongs you have an unlimited access to a recipe library which is updated weekly with gorgeous self care meal ideas so that you never have to wonder what to cook for dinner. For more info head to the link in my bio. Oh P.S. prices are going up from Feb onwards so if you want it to have your monthly membership at £35 join this week. #cookingcommunity #onlinecookingclasses #cookathome #selfcaredaily #mindfulcooking #selfloveaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
SAVE FOR LATER - A lighter white sauce. 
Self care cooking can come in different guises and if your body and mind are telling you that you may need to inject a little health in your life, then I always recommend listening to it as that’s the only way we can start taking the steps needed to bring a little love and self care into your lives.
And when we change our mindset about what cooking can bring to our lives that’s where we start to transform your relationship with it.
Health, and comfort are two of pillars when it comes to my self care cooking. I have learnt that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of comfort so these always go hand in hand in my meals.
I have found this tip useful when I’m looking for that creamy comfort we get in lasagnas, pasta or veggies bakes. The stock replaces the milk making a lighter healthier version.
For more self care inspo, recipes and tips sign up to my free newsletter. Link in bio. 
#healthycook #healthyeatinghabits #cookingtips #selfcareaccount #selflovematters #wellnesstips #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
SAVE FOR LATER - A lighter white sauce. Self care cooking can come in different guises and if your body and mind are telling you that you may need to inject a little health in your life, then I always recommend listening to it as that’s the only way we can start taking the steps needed to bring a little love and self care into your lives. And when we change our mindset about what cooking can bring to our lives that’s where we start to transform your relationship with it. Health, and comfort are two of pillars when it comes to my self care cooking. I have learnt that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of comfort so these always go hand in hand in my meals. I have found this tip useful when I’m looking for that creamy comfort we get in lasagnas, pasta or veggies bakes. The stock replaces the milk making a lighter healthier version. For more self care inspo, recipes and tips sign up to my free newsletter. Link in bio. #healthycook #healthyeatinghabits #cookingtips #selfcareaccount #selflovematters #wellnesstips #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
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