We take a look at the new form of dining taking Devon by storm…
For foodie lovers everywhere it can safely be said that there’s no better time to be alive. With an abundance of tempting restaurants, cafés and bistros that adorn the centres of our towns and cities, it’s never been easier to taste cuisines from all around the world. But with higher standards of dining becoming the norm, some of the more primitive forms of dining needed to adapt. Gone are the days of the greasy burger van; street food is now a massive trend set on delivering a new type of dining experience using quality produce, innovative recipe combinations, and with no need for any washing up, it’s something that is only going to get more popular. We take a look at some of our favourite places to dine al fresco from around the area:
La Cantina Street Kitchen
Branching out from their fixed premises in Dawlish, La Cantina wanted to bring their restaurant quality gourmet burgers, complete with exciting and imaginative flavour combinations, to more locations around Devon. Boasting locally sourced ingredients selected by their multi-award winning head chef Tim Golder, La Cantina is able to offer quality food at an affordable price. The menu is ever-changing and often in line with what’s in season, giving you more variety and seasonable eating, and your burgers are cooked just as you like. We particularly love their ‘La Beast’ burger – a handmade Devon steak burger topped with smoked Monterey Jack cheese, smoked streaky bacon and a southern fried chicken breast in a maple and chipotle glaze doused in their own unique tomato & Japanese spice blend mayo. Need we say anymore?
Find them in Topsham on Tuesday nights, Cranbrook on Wednesday nights, Exminster on Thursday and Friday nights and keep an eye out on their Facebook page to see where they end up on a Saturday – including Exmouth and Pinhoe! For a full list of locations, times and an up to date menu, visit: www.lacantinastreetkitchen.com
Exeter Street Food Markets
Probably the biggest collection of street food traders in the local area, the Exeter Street Food Markets, regularly taking place on Exeter Quay and in Southernhay Gardens, is the place to go for locally sourced produce without the restriction of using ingredients from slightly further afield too. The result is a massive variety of tastes, smells and textures and a chance to try something new and exciting for a fully immersive street food experience. From modern and classic American cuisine, including Philly cheese steaks and authentic pulled BBQ meats from long standing Exeter street food trader Dan’s American Kitchen, to artisan bread-makers, Vietnamese inspired noodles, craft ciders and beers and everything in between. The changing vendors will have you coming back month after month.
This year’s street food markets will be up and running from May to October at three locations in the city – the Transit Shed on Exeter’s Quayside on the first Thursday of the month, the Piazza Terracina on the third Thursday of the month and in Southernhay Gardens, which will this year be running weekly, every Friday. That’s six opportunities every month to get out and try something new and unique on the streets of Exeter! Find out more online at www.streetfoodexeter.co.uk
Fish Wives
New kids on the block, Collette, Kerry and Katie make up the Fish Wives. Serving delicious homemade fish dishes with a twist using locally sourced, sustainable produce from their classic Citroen HY Van in their own vintage style, a meal from the Fish Wives is a real experience from your initial order to your last bite. They may have only just started their street brunch trade but they are no stranger to catering for both private and public events.
Their constantly changing menu reflects taste trends and seasonable produce to create delicious and fun dishes for every palette. Their handmade fish pies and prawn burgers with jalapeno tartare sauce are firm favourites and be sure to try their signature Cajun ‘Fish Wives Rub’ grilled salmon and thyme mayo ciabattas – but don’t worry, if fish isn’t your bag, they’ve got some delicious cakes and coffee on board too!
You can find the Fish Wives outside of Fairway Furniture in Newton Abbot on Thursdays and Fridays and also at this year’s Bovey Contemporary Crafts Festival and the Dartmoor Classic! Find them on twitter: @fishywives
