Pay what you want
Friday 1st November 2024
Eat Street IOW’s First Pay-What-You-Want Evening: A Night to Remember
On the 1st of November 2024, Eat Street IOW hosted its first-ever Pay-What-You-Want evening, a completely new concept for the Isle of Wight. This special event allowed guests to enjoy a carefully curated tasting menu while choosing how much they wished to contribute—a bold move designed to make fine dining accessible to all and to build a stronger sense of community.
As guests arrived, the warm, welcoming atmosphere set the tone for the evening. Candlelit tables, gentle music, and the buzz of excitement filled the room. Alex had prepared an inventive and diverse menu, showcasing global flavours with a local twist, and every dish told a story.
A Journey Through Flavour
The evening kicked off with a playful take on a classic breakfast dish: Bacon and Eggs. This wasn’t your ordinary morning fare, though. Our pain de mie was accompanied by hot honey-cured egg yolks, rich bacon jam, and smooth whipped butter, offering an indulgent start to the night.
Next, diners were transported to the streets of India with the vibrant Samosa Chaat. The crisp samosa was balanced with fresh coriander chutney, sweet date chutney, a sprinkling of sev, and juicy bursts of pomegranate, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements.
From India, we moved to Japan with the Japanese Celeriac dish. Miso-roasted beetroot added depth, while pecans and crispy noodles contributed texture. Thai basil brought everything together with its aromatic finish, making it a standout for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Our Caribbean Curried Chicken Slider was a fusion favourite, with tender chicken infused with warming spices, complemented by a refreshing pineapple and chilli slaw. The balance of heat and sweetness had everyone talking.
A journey to Mexico followed, but with a local twist. The Mexican Isle of Wight Pig Cheek was melt-in-the-mouth tender, paired with Peruvian cabbage and creamy polenta. This dish highlighted our commitment to local produce while embracing international inspiration.
The Camembert Gougeres proved to be a comforting delight. The Isle of Wight fig chutney added a regional touch, and the Grana Padano provided a savoury depth, creating a small but powerful flavour bomb.
Sweet Endings
The dessert selection did not disappoint. The Pumpkin Pie was an autumnal dream, featuring a delicate pumpkin seed tuille, rich chocolate creameaux, brown butter powder, and a scoop of creamy cinnamon ice cream. It was the epitome of comfort and indulgence.
Equally delightful was the Dark Chocolate and Passion Fruit Macaron. The balance of rich, dark chocolate with the bright zing of passion fruit was a perfect way to round off the meal.
Community Spirit
The Pay-What-You-Want concept was a resounding success. It fostered a sense of openness and generosity, with many guests contributing generously to support our mission of bringing people together over great food. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the chance to try a high-quality tasting menu without the barrier of a set price.
As we reflect on the evening, we’re filled with gratitude for the community’s support and enthusiasm. Stay tuned for more events as we continue to explore creative ways to make Eat Street IOW a hub of culinary adventure and inclusivity.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We can’t wait to do it again!
