Leeds Food Guide were excited to be invited to the Dough in the City press evening, where one of our team got to try out some of the colourful dishes on the new menu at this cool eatery in Leeds city center.
On arrival I was offered a fruity cocktail by the super attentive guys from Pink Gorilla and Hairy Lemon. Although I turned it down as I'm not much of a drinker, the drink looked beautiful! I am sure that the fresh fruity flavours, and the alcoholic kick were a great way to start the food filled evening for those attending. More great cocktails were offered throughout the evening - Dough offers 2 cocktails for £10 so it must be hard to say no!
To start we were given a selection of Dough in the City starters, tapas style- giving us all a chance to try the range of dishes available, and also to get some fab photos. I really enjoyed sampling all the different dishes, and discussing them with the other guests. I also really appreciated having chef owner Luke there to chat over the dishes - got some great insights into the development of the dishes.
My favourite starter dish was the cauliflower bhaji served with cucumber raita. The cauliflower was soft and steamy on the inside, but the outer coating was crispy and slightly spicy. The cucumber was fresh- a perfect contrast to the cauliflower on top. Then, the mango chutney was a welcome added sweetness. For me this was just an ideal way to start the meal.
However, the cauli bhajiis were only my favorite starter dish by a small margin. I also loved the soft, and flavoursome falafel, which as owner Luke explained, were simply protein packed balls of chickpea- ideal for veggies, vegans, and meat lovers alike! These delicious balls were served with olives, hummus and Asian slaw.
Fancying something light and fresh, I ordered the spring risotto served with spring veg, wild garlic and a poached egg. When the dish was placed in front of me I wasn't blown away by the presentation, it was very beige, but I guess it is hard to make a risotto pretty! Tucking in, I enjoyed the creamy texture, and the slight saltiness from the cheese. I also was happy to see a runny yolk on the egg.
However, I was a little disappointed by the lack of texture- I get that a risotto is supposed to be soft, but I would have loved a Parmesan crisp or even having the poached egg bread crumbed in order to give the dish some crunch. I was also expecting more spring veg in a spring veg risotto- I was thinking peas, courgette and green beans, instead we got carrots and celery. I am not saying that this risotto wasn't yum, because it was, but I just don't think it is a dish I would rush out for again.
Dessert options were a little limited, but I don't think Dough in the City is a big dessert spot. However, saying that, the two sweet dishes that we were offered sounded, and looked divine. One was a chocolate mousse - vegan friendly and yet super chocolatey. The other was a Jameson sticky toffee pudding served with ice cream was rich, creamy and decadent. We all enjoyed taking lots of photos of both dishes, but had to be quick, spoons were at the ready!
After having a look at the Dough in the City menu whilst at Dough I am going to have to make a return visit really soon to try out their brunch food. I have a real soft spot for a good Croque Madame!
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