Eat Your Crust* | Just Add Ginger

Image Credit: Crust Liverpool

I am always very much an advocate for supporting local and independent businesses. So when I was contacted and given the opportunity to head down to Crust on Bold Street in Liverpool, I of course jumped at the chance.

Ryan in tow, we headed in to Liverpool one Friday night to find out what Crust was all about. It was still relatively early when we arrived, but the restaurant was already full, with a buzzing atmosphere around us, and a delicious smell in the air. As we took our seats, I started to get the feeling that we were in for a treat.

Perusing over the menu, I couldn't help but take a peek at the décor. A mixture of modern elements and rustic, Italian-inspired touches (including a moped,) Crust's interior design really appealed to me. Often, pizza places don't really feel like restaurants, but this one did. It's difficult to explain, but there was something about Crust that felt a little more exclusive. 

I'd already checked out the menu earlier in the day, so instantly knew what food I was going to order. So whilst Ryan made his choice, I perused the drinks menu and was really pleased to see just how many local beers there were on offer - beers, as I was told by Ryan - are often difficult to find in restaurants. Again, it was great to see fellow local businesses being supported. As impressed as I was, Ryan just had to sample one, and added a Toxteth IPA to my drinks order of a Rossini.

Deciding we just had to sample a starter, orders for the Calamari and Bresaola (cured beef fillet) were placed, with the intention that we would share the dishes. Well, that plan completely failed. Aside from a small bite of each other's food, we were so wrapped up in enjoying our food that all hopes of sampling the dishes equally went out the window. The calamari I ordered was crisp, with the pepper accompaniments a welcome complement to the starter. The squid was a little overcooked, but in all honesty it was only ever so slight that this didn't bother me at all, and I really enjoyed eating, alternating and combining the garlic mayo and spicy salsa dips to create the perfect balance of flavour.

Ryan's cured beef was outstanding. All the elements of the dish worked really well together, with the sweetness of the tomato and balsamic balancing beautifully with the umami flavour of the beef. The parmezan and rocket added a punchy, peppery hit that worked well and was very welcome indeed.

Having devoured our starters, it was time for the main event. Adhering to our newly adopted flexitarian diet, I ordered the classic Margherita, but with a twist. Instead of a normal, regular crust, I opted for the Black Dough. The concept had me really intrigued, and as soon as I spotted it on the menu, I knew I had to give it a try. Ryan went for the Straccetti, a pizza which, can you believe, has sliced fillet mignon on it! Sufficed to say that Ryan was so excited to see that, and placed his order barely pausing for breath, alongside a Caprese salad for us to share. Time for more drinks too, we chose to sample the cocktails, going for a Pornstar Martini and Whisky In The Jar (I'll let you guess who ordered which!)

Now I do have a little bit of a confession. Pizza is not naturally something I order often. I can find the bases a bit too bready, and as someone who suffers from indigestion, especially after eating bread, I normally have to give up half way through. Well not with this pizza. Second to none this was the most delicious pizza I have had, and it was honestly a joy to eat. And it was the crust that made it extra special. The black dough had a charred almost smoky quality that I absolutely loved! The base was just the right thickness for me, and the toppings creamy, and delicately balanced. 

And Ryan was just as impressed with his pizza. Asking him for feedback, there was nothing he could really critique. It was all delicious, with bucket loads of steak, and toppings that really worked well together. Bite after bite we barely spoke to each other, and again, whereas we'd normally share our food so we can have a sample, I think I got one tiny mouthful of steak, and Ryan received a nibble of one of my slices. When we don't want to share, it's a very, very good sign.

A fan of Tobasco with pizza, Ryan did ask if Crust had any, and was a little disappointed when the answer was "No." However, to quote his words, what he got instead was "a million times superior! The tomato/chilli ketchup is amazing!" So, spice fans, if you want an additional kick make sure you give that a try! 

After all that food, you would think that we were done, wouldn't you? No! Looking over the menu earlier that day, I was really intrigued by the Ravioli Chocolat. I couldn't leave without giving that a try! And Ryan, not wanting to be left out, ordered the BirraMisu. 

The desserts were the perfect way to finish off the meal. Truth be told, Ryan's BirraMisu was a little too punchy for me, but he, an avid beer drinker, really enjoyed the novel concept, and thought it was delicious. From the creamy consistency to the presentation in the small dimple jug, it was a winner in his books.

And my chocolate ravioli? There's only one word to describe that dish - delicious. The pieces were not too big, and my goodness were they jam-packed with gooey chocolate goodness! It was truly a chocolate-lover's dream dish, and aside from the half piece I begrudgingly gave to Ryan, I polished off every mouthful in record time.

Going to Crust has really changed my perceptions on pizza and has turned me into a convert. Offering a wide selection of toppings and dough types, the restaurant has something that caters for all taste buds. And what's great is that if you don't feel like pizza, there are other options available, including pasta, grills, and salads. The atmosphere was electric with excitement, the staff friendly and approachable, and everyone looked really happy, enjoying their food with animation. We can't wait to go back, and have already picked out what we want to try next!

For more information about Crust, and to take a look at their mouth-watering menu, click here.

*I was very kindly invited down to Crust for a complimentary meal in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, 100% honest, and guided by my experience and taste buds.