The article's author visited the new establishment Doughed, located at 199 Montpellier in Windermere. The place opened about a month ago and represents a significant improvement compared to the previous location in a converted garage on Gordon Road. The new premises feature a shaded and friendly garden, which was full of visitors at the time of the visit, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Doughed's philosophy is centered on making pizza properly. This approach was established by the owners, David and Ishara Shetty, during their honeymoon in Naples and Sicily, where they discovered authentic pizza, distinct from American variations.
Despite lacking a license, visitors were allowed to bring their own wine. The author tried a cold coffee-based drink, while Kartik ordered a virgin mojito. The venue's menu is small and limited, including classic pizzas such as Margherita, roasted tomato pizza, and Sicilian pizza with anchovies, capers, and olives. Rosso pizzas with tomato sauce and biancos with cheese are also available. All dishes can be ordered as pasta, lasagna, or calzone.
Dish Tasting
To start, the author ordered a roasted tomato pizza for the communal table. This pizza consisted of roasted tomatoes and onions topped with mozzarella, fresh basil, and pistachio pesto. Although there were few traces of pesto, the pizza was very tasty thanks to the pieces of sweet roasted tomato and bursts of fresh basil. The author also tried arancini al tartufo (R115)—three small crispy balls of mushroom risotto with truffle in a Napoli sauce, which turned out to be more of a spicy pepper sauce, as the arancini themselves were mild.
The main course section offers diverse pizza options. Among them are a three-cheese option with mozzarella, white cheddar, and feta with honey-chili, as well as a pizza with roasted carrots, garlic, and mushrooms in balsamic sauce, shrimp with coconut cilantro sauce and roasted lemons, in addition to more traditional options like Napoli and pepperoni.
Arjun chose the chicken sandwich in coriander aioli (R185). The author admitted that he had never liked chicken on pizza, fearing it would become dry or drown in the sauce, but here the sandwich tasted good, although the author's fears were confirmed. Vivek ordered a special dish—venison pizza (R245). This dish was unsuccessful: there was too much gravy, not enough meat floating on top, which made it inconvenient to eat with hands, and the gravy quickly softened the ingredients.
Kartik opted for the Caprese sandwich (R80), which essentially was a mini-calzone filled with mozzarella, tomato, and basil, and was satisfied. The author, meanwhile, ordered a spicy half of grilled chicken cooked in a pizza oven (R190). The chicken was juicy, the flavors were good, and both enjoyed the seasonal roasted vegetables served with it.
The author initially wanted to try melanzane alla parmigiana pizza but decided to stick to the appetizer—truffle cheese soufflé (R95), as he planned to eat a lot of pizza. He noted the truffle flavor and how the sauce covered all the ingredients well, but added that the dish sorely needed more cheese.
In conclusion, the author and The Poet ordered affogato over pistachio ice cream, and the author himself ordered pistachio cannoli (R48.50). After this, they drank coffee.
Bill
The total bill for five people amounted to R1423.50. Pistachio cannoli is also available on the menu.