Pay what you want
Saturday 14th December 2024
Eat Street IOW’s Second Pay-What-You-Want Night: A Winter Feast to Remember
Following the success of our first Pay-What-You-Want evening, Eat Street IOW welcomed guests back on the 14th of December 2024 for a festive feast of flavours. The concept remained the same: enjoy a thoughtfully crafted tasting menu and contribute what you felt it was worth. This event was all about bringing people together, sharing delicious food, and celebrating the season in style.
A Feast of Flavours
The evening began with a selection of creative snacks that set the bar high. The Breaded Gordal Olive with Isle of Wight goat meat and whipped feta offered a savoury bite that was both rich and comforting. The Coxinha, a Brazilian street food classic, provided a taste of nostalgia with its crispy exterior and tender filling.
One of the crowd favourites was the Porcini Mushroom Doughnut with creamy mascarpone. The balance of earthy mushroom and luscious mascarpone was an unexpected delight. Meanwhile, the Smoked Isle of Wight Brisket and Isle of Wight Blue Pastille brought a bold and smoky twist, showcasing the best of local produce.
The Eat Street Corn Beetroot Taco with teriyaki chalk stream trout and Asian slaw was a vibrant burst of flavour. The delicate trout combined with the crunch of slaw and the sweetness of beetroot created a perfect harmony on the palate.
From India, the Phaldari Kofta in a rich makhani sauce offered a comforting and aromatic experience, with its blend of spices and velvety texture. The kofta, with its tender and flavourful filling, was a warming dish for a chilly December evening.
Hearty Mains and Sweet Treats
The Korean Chicken Slider with peanut butter slaw was a fusion delight. The spicy, crispy chicken combined with the creamy, nutty slaw made for a satisfying bite that had guests returning for more.
The main event was a showstopper: Persian Isle of Wight Ox Cheek with walnut and pomegranate sauce. This dish was a masterclass in balancing richness with freshness. The tender ox cheek was accompanied by cumin-roasted carrots with goat’s cheese, a luxurious pistachio labneh, and perfectly spiced parsnip cakes. It was a beautifully plated dish that tasted as good as it looked.
For dessert, the Chocolate and Salted Caramel Delice took centre stage. Paired with roasted orange jam and Jasper’s coffee ice cream, it delivered decadence with every bite. The combination of rich chocolate, salty caramel, and zesty orange was a perfect way to end the meal. And for those who saved room, the Dark Chocolate and Passion Fruit Macaron offered a delightful pop of citrus to balance the chocolatey richness.
An Evening of Generosity and Community
The Pay-What-You-Want concept continued to create a unique atmosphere of generosity and inclusivity. Guests appreciated the opportunity to enjoy a gourmet experience without the pressure of a set price, and the community spirit was palpable throughout the night.
We were humbled by the support and positive feedback and thrilled to see both familiar faces and new visitors. As always, our goal was to create a memorable dining experience, and judging by the smiles and conversations, we achieved just that.
We can’t wait to host more events and continue this journey of culinary exploration with all of you. Thank you for making our second Pay-What-You-Want night a resounding success. Stay tuned for more exciting happenings at Eat Street IOW!
