Discovering the Pizza Express Summer Menu

I first visited Pizza Express in 1976 when working for an American company my boss would take me out to lunch on a Friday every now and again. The first Pizza Express opened in Soho on the corner of Wardour Street and Rupert Court and is still there today. Mr R was more than happy to accompany me this time to the St Albans branch.

I started my evening with their summer cocktail the Hugo"Pizza Express" a refreshing glass of Prosecco with elderflower cordial, mint and a  slice of lemon served over ice.  Really refreshing and a combinaiton of two of my favourite drinks.  A hot Summer evening and these would really go down a treat.

Waiting for our meal we chomped on their new recipe huge green, pitted olives marinated with pink peppercorns.

Starters:-
Mr R picked the Bruschette Originale "Pizza Express" (tomatoes, red onion, garlic, fresh basil and pesto.

I tried the new Risotto Fresco as a starter - you could alway order a larger version of this as a main course. Oak roasted peppered salmon fillet, garlic and parsly in a creamy white wine risotto, finished with lemon and rocket.  This is a really light, tasty, summery menu item. Imagine eating this outside dining on a hot summer evening.

With the main courses we shared a Pizza Express Mixed Salad with their signature dressing. This salad dressing is so popular you can buy it in most major supermarkets.

Mr R's main course was Baked Lasagna, traditional and never disappointing.

I usually go for a thin pizza with ham and mushroom topping but this evening tried the Calzone Salami & Salsichi (Calzone is Italian for 'Pocket' and is a filled pizza dough folded in half and crimped like a Cornish Pasty and in this case filled with salami, tomatos, sausage, peppers, onions and mozzarella cheese. The steam escapes when you cut into the middle.  They are very filling and I took half of mine home for breakfast!

My dessert was the Leggera Lemon & Blueberry Glory, lemon curd sorbet, fresh blueberries and fruit coulis with a chocolate straw (mine was missing however), mint and lemon.  Again a really refreshing summer pudding.

Mr R picked the Vanilla Panna Cotta, perfect light and summery pudding for those full up after dinner moments.

You can join the Pizza Express Summer On Tour to sign up to follow the band and receive exclusive offers.

Thank you Pizza Express for the invitation to enjoy some of the new Summer menu items.  I did not receive any payment to write this review and as always all opinions and photos are my own.