The best Italian focaccia.
Our editor paid a visit to the newest hotspot on the Brighton restaurant landscape. Caccia and Tails is the third incarnation from owner Elisa, who also has venues in Lewes and Charleston.
I am always on the lookout for quirky places to eat and Caccia and Tails (that’s short for focaccia and Cocktails in case you hadn’t worked it out already) certainly understood the assignment. They offer a completely unique experience from a tiny venue near Preston Park.
Could this place win a smallest restaurant award? Quite possibly. But it is absolutely charming, spotlessly clean and well worth a visit. Dusky pink walls, give way to black and white chequered tiles with high ceilings. Your eye is immediately drawn to the well stocked counter-top, featuring mouthwatering cakes and a wide range of filled focaccia waiting to be devoured.
In terms of libations, you can enjoy real Italian barista coffee, non alcoholic soft drinks or select one of the cocktails on offer. Caccia’s happy hour occurs daily between 5-6pm with everything from a Negroni to an Espresso Martini.
Now about the food. Everything is cooked from scratch and delivered each morning from the Charleston kitchen. The focaccia is Genovese, which is marked with distinct finger holes on its surface, and sprinkled with salt and olive oil. I opted for mozzarella, pesto and tomato which was warmed in a sandwich presser. The focaccia was light and airy with a slightly salty crust which perfectly complemented the creamy mozzarella and bright herby pesto (did I mention everything is made from scratch?) Overall an absolutely delightful sandwich that was filling and made a change from bread.
The owner’s father is Italian and her mother a native New Yorker. When I discovered the NY Cheesecake was made by the matriarch I knew I needed to try it. Real New York Cheesecake. The lemony topping was sweet and crunchy and offset the creamy, lemony base perfectly. Every mouthful was heavenly and I loved the fact it’s a family recipe clearly made with love. I also sampled a small marzipan biscuit that was equally delish, crunchy outside with a chewy centre which would make the ideal coffee partner.
I predict big things for this lovely establishment. So much thought and care goes into everything they offer and I’m definitely making it my new go-to place for lunch and coffee to take away to Preston Park when I walk the hound.
Words: Kairen Kemp
www.cacciaandtails.com
