An Evening at Ottolenghi's New Bicester Village Restaurant

 

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Ottolenghi's new restaurant in Bicester Village, Oxfordshire, to sample their summer menu. It was a lovely evening, filled with delightful surprises.

A Warm Welcome

As we arrived, we were greeted with welcome drinks. The drinks were a refreshing apple and hibiscus gin with Amalfi lemon and strawberries, and St. Germain with sparkling wine. Alongside these, we enjoyed an array of delicious canapés. The restaurant buzzed with excitement, and the ambiance was perfect for mingling with other guests.

Delectable Canapés

The canapés served were a treat for the senses:

• Spiced potato samosas with apricot chamoy
• Herby feta and walnut dip with pomegranate and chicory leaves
• Beetroot pkhali filo cups with olive salsa

For the non-vegetarians, there were:

• Cured-crusted salmon with peanut gochujang
• Ricotta and beef meatballs with tomato sauce

Stunning Decor and a Deli

I fell in love with the décor of the restaurant. The deli, offering Ottolenghi products and cakes for purchase, added a unique touch. Now, you can enjoy Ottolenghi’s staple dishes at home or at events in the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire.

Ottolenghi Expands Catering Services

The Ottolenghi Group is thrilled to expand its catering services to the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire. Previously exclusive to Greater London, these services are perfect for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events, making each occasion special and memorable.

Catering for All Occasions

Ottolenghi's catering service suits any event, from intimate dinners for two to large celebrations for five hundred. Their offerings include bountiful salads, breakfast spreads, celebration cakes, and full sit-down dinners, all radiating abundance, color, and generosity.

Expert Team for Unforgettable Events

Their team of fantastic chefs, bartenders, and waiting staff ensure unforgettable events. They can present your food, cook at your event, arrange waiting staff, or deliver your food anywhere in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. For a simpler option, you can collect your order from their new Bicester Village restaurant and serve it yourself. With no minimum spend requirements, their services fit any budget and occasion.

Diverse Menu Selection

Sample catering menus feature a wide selection of dishes, including canapés, salads, mains, and cakes. There’s something for everyone, ensuring a delightful experience.

A Journey of Flavour

Ottolenghi began in a small shop in Notting Hill in 2002. Chefs Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi developed a unique style rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, incorporating diverse global influences and ingredients.

A Growing Family

Over 20 years, Ottolenghi has grown into a proud family of nine delis and restaurants across London, and now in the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire.

A Vegetarian Delight

After the appetizers, we enjoyed our main meal, served family-style. As vegetarians, my partner and I were pleasantly surprised by the excellent options:

• Lentils and pickled shallots with berbere-spiced croutons
• Roasted cauliflower with pumpkin seeds and barberries
• Roasted aubergine with saffron yoghurt and pine nuts

For the non-vegetarians, there were:

• Seabass fillet with caponata and green peppercorn
• Herby leek, hispi cabbage, and feta borek with caraway seeds
• Lamb kofta with bulgur and caramelised onion

All the food we tried was tasty, beautifully presented, with the perfect balance of textures and flavours. The chef made good use of seasonal produce, and the variety of choices suited every palate.

Irresistible Desserts

When we thought we could eat no more, we were tempted with a trio of desserts:

• Passion fruit meringue tart
• Flourless pistachio, lemon, and polenta cake with orange blossom
• Raspberry and white chocolate pavlova

All these delightful treats were served with our coffee of choice, ending the meal on a perfect note.

Conclusion

My evening at Ottolenghi's new Bicester Village restaurant was a delightful experience. The warm welcome, beautiful décor, and delicious food made it a night to remember. Whether dining in or catering an event, Ottolenghi's offerings are sure to impress.

**I was an invited guest at the Ottolenghi summer tasting menu event, all views and opinions shared are of my experience of the food and drinks.