The Leeds foodie scene is blessed with so many independent chefs, but we've only come across one that served deep fried pizzas.
Luigi's Street Food is just one brand that has taken over Trinity Kitchen, but their Italian speciality dishes are proving popular with just about anyone that walks up to their pop-up van.
Known as a panzerotto, the traditional Italian dish is deep fried pizza dough stuffed with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and a choice of toppings- and they're going down a treat.
Available until January, the best of Luigi's menu is available in the Trinity Kitchen inside the Trinity shopping centre.
On the menu are a range of deep-fried calzone dishes with toppings like cheese and tomato, pepperoni, chicken and more.
The Arancini is also on the menu, with mozzarella sticks and a Birra Moretti is never more than a contactless swish on the payment machine to wash it all down with.
Luigi's even have their own meal deal: a pizza with a combination of soft drinks or alcoholic lager for those ready to unwind. Priced at £10 and £12 respectively, there aren't many places in the city centre that you can get a full calzone and a drink for under £15, so it's well worth taking advantage of.
Specialising in smokehouse classics using free-range and locally-reared produce, everything on The Pickled Porker menu is smoked for a minimum of 12 hours over applewood, oak and hickory wood chips for maximum flavour.
Nelly’s Barn, meanwhile, will be cooking up 28-day, dry-aged beef burgers with double-tasty cheddar – whilst their vegan kitchen offers guests plant-based southern fried chick’n with gravy and sauces to give an extra zing.
Poutine heroes Spuds and Bros will also be back by popular demand, serving their Christmas special The Brother Christmas Poutine, alongside their traditional range with a variety of different toppings and the option of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian gravy.
To put Luigi's deep fried calzone to the test, make sure to get over to Trinity Kitchen before the end of January 2022, or find their speciality menu at the likes of Northern Refectory, Chow Down and other bestselling foodie hotspots around the city.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
11th December 2021 
