The Bright Red Luigis Delicatessen, as seen on Nigellisima
Have you ever wondered where TV chefs shop? Nigella Lawson pops into a fabulous bright red Italian Deli in Nigellissima and Lorraine Pascal peruses the produce under the extended awnings of La Pascalou, very nearly next door. This is the Fulham Road in London on the boarders of Chelsea and Fulham. This has always been a an enclave of interesting shops, bars and restaurants, with a lively nightlife, just a stones throw from the kings road.
The Friendly Staff At Luigis Delicatessen
Luigis, the ‘bright red deli’ has a Narnia feel about it. The minute you step through the door, you’re in Italy. The warm hearted banter between the staff in the store is solely in Italian and non stop. Discussions about the football are interspersed with requests to pass this or get that from the back. The shop is quite narrow but every inch is resplendent with the bright packaging of Carnorolli rice, tiny bottles of truffle oil, aged balsamic and an array of olive oils.
Rows Of Truffle Oil, Aged Balsamic And Olive Oil At Luigis Delicatessen
Below the laden shelves are cold meats waiting to be sliced, Parma Ham, Mortadella and Salami di Milano, nestle up with olives in herb oil or with chilli or garlic, shiny and fat and green to tiny, wrinkled and black. On a central table is a take away dream. The dishes of Italy just waiting to be sliced, boxed and packed. Chicken with olives and chilli, lasagne, rich and creamy, Cooked fennel sausages and for dessert – sicilian cannoli. This is a fabulous place to soak up the feel of Italy and be charmed by the service, right in the centre of London.
Italian Sausages, Chicken With Tomatoes And Garlic. Italian Food To Take Away
Almost next door is La Pascalou, a rather more sedate French-style delicatessen and mini market. It’s extensive outdoor awnings cover the fresh fish counter brimming with crab, snails, and clams as well as the day’s catch. Beside this, market stall like is the fruit and veg. Large purple green heads of globe artichokes, tiny tomatoes and fat, furry pods of broad beans share space with brightly coloured fruit and for this time of year the luxury of strawberries and raspberries.
La Pescalou, A French Style Grocer And Mini Market
The atmosphere is quieter, but all the French staples are available here including your morning croissant.
A little further up the road, on the other side is Tray Gourmet – Traiteur Francais. This is the stop for cassoulet, haricot and pate de canard, stout jars of traditional French goodies, a perfect addition to a stew, or a whole meal at the twist of a lid.
Fat Jars Of Haricot Beans And Cassoulet At Tray Gourmet
If a quick coffee is what you’re after, then pop in to Carluccios. It is a chain but the coffee’s good and those meringues in the window, like overblown blooms, would tempt even the hardest hearted to just take a look.
Raspberry Meringues In The Window Of Carluccios
In addition to all this food, there are gems of interiors stores here. In amongst which is the eclectic and innovative Solid ID.
Updates Vintage Style Apothecary Glass
This is a mix of renovated vintage – re-painted wooden stools, smooth resin topped battered tables, wooden moulding converted to peg holders and new fabulous rugs, stoneware crockery and quirky tableware and accessories.
Vintage Style Wooden Letters At Solid ID
The painted wooden letters and re-labeled apothacary jars make great statement pieces.
Beautiful Blooms From Chelsea Wild
If you’re not too laden, buy a bunch of flowers to remind yourself that spring really is on its way. I love a vintage vase of blooms on the kitchen table to inspire me to both cook and write.
Where’s your favourite street for a stroll?
As a teen a long time ago, I loved walking down Kings Road and hanging out in Chelsea and Fulham Rd. even back then it was a happening place. Of course, I was more interested in fashion back then not so much food, today that would be the other way round.
These days if I want to stroll and peek into boutiques and little gourmet food stores, I head to Boulder and Pearl St mall, a little pedestrian mall that stretches down Pearl St and is always lively and happening place. Of course, I would take Fulham Road any day.
Nice post GG, especially for me.
Nazneen
Up until I was 12 we lived just off the Kings Road and even then I was a bit of a shopaholic. I loved just walking around window shopping and exploring. That’s never really left me. It’s fun how these places bring back memories. GG
Awesome! Incidentally, what happened to your twitter account?
I think I’ve sorted out Twitter now – really didn’t mean to unfollow you, not sure how that happened. GG
What a well-written post. I have been to a few of these and you described them beautifually. I now want to check out Solid ID too. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you. Solid ID is well worth the trip, there always seems to be something interesting to explore here. GG
I love the red exterior of the shop and the two Italian owners in those red uniforms are gorgeous. What a great place to shop. And someone pass me those meringues – how pretty and like you say, just like blooms xx
I love the fact that you really feel like you’re stepping into a bit of Italy. It was very hard to leave those fabulous meringues on that stand! GG
Those shops make the local deli look pretty sad by comparison 🙂
I love deli shopping and can be tempted by even the most modest of displays. GG
Must pop down there this summer. I could imagine the aromas of Luigis
You’ll love it! So much to choose from and soo very Italian. GG
Oh I wish these wonderful shops were in my neighborhood…they are wonderful.
They are fab, a great mornings stroll. GG
The two italian workers look like they’re having a whale of a time! I wish I had delis like this near me.
They aren’t far away. GG
Oh my gosh, it must so awesome to visit such a great italian shop 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
They are amazing stores. GG
Dear GG,
Luigi’s looks like a wonderful deli with beautiful ingredients to cook with. It’s interesting to have an insight into where all these celebrity chefs get their stuff from.
You’re right, it’s fun to discover the Chefs shops. GG
What a divine, inspiring shop! I can imagine the things you could conjure up just strolling the aisles. Thanks so much for this tour GG! x
It fab to be able to wander and make up dishes as you look around. Of course there’s always ‘help’ from the guys in the shop. ‘Don’t forget the parmigiana, pecorino,’ etc. GG
How good does Luigi’s look – love it when Nigella does her walkabout on TV.
Me too, It’s always fun to see where she goes. GG