Beth Rowley, Jazz Pizza Express, Soho

Beth Rowley is a beauty: gorgeous figure and pretty face hiding behind enviously big blonde curly hair. She looked radiant when performing for two nights at the candlelit Pizza Express Jazz Club on Dean Street in Soho.

After securing our table downstairs in the jazz saloon we went upstairs to eat, the place was packed with keen fans. Beth Rowley, who herself mentioned many influences, has inspired me personally with my singing. I often sing her 'Nobody's Fault but Mine' with my little band, though our version is much more melancholic. It was lovely to hear Beth in her full glory singing it live, in fact she began the whole evening with it... the rendition was vibrant, upbeat and with the electric bass and drums, charismatically soulful.

The evening was split into two sets, for which she wore different, equally exquisite red frocks, something she mentioned was unusually showbiz for her. Accompanied by a musically sharp but small band (of guitar, bass and drums) the sound was perfectly balanced and projected well in the venue. Beth performed an eclectic mix of songs - some tracks from her new album (released next year) and other well known tunes by her favourite artists, but adapted uniquely to suit her style. There is no way to pigeonhole this singer, her music shows the influence of soul, blues, jazz, Americana and folk. I particularly love her adaptations of negro spirituals; she embellishes the melodies freely and artistically while injecting real passion into the words.

Speaking onstage, she was hesistant and timid and reminded me of a little girl, glancing over at her manager and father for reassurance (she introduced them both to us). At times it was almost awkward to behold and I was surprised considering her successful status. In the second half she loosened up and became more personable, communicating more openly with her eager audience, it was all more relaxed.

Pizza and Jazz is an undeniably good combination; Beth Rowley makes it even better. Already recognised as a jazz singer on the rise, I believe there is still a lot more to discover from this talented girl.

Visit Beth Rowley's website here.

Pop up Pizza Masterclasses in London with Birra Moretti

We have all heard about the riotous success of pop-up clothes shops, pop-up cafes etc, but now something to satisfy your stomach... Italian beer brand Birra Moretti are inviting Londoners to their pop-up gourmet pizza masterclasses. Starting from today, Wednesday 27th until Friday 29th, three workshops will be held in London venues: Wednesday – Exchange Square, Thursday – Soho Square and Friday– Canary Wharf, running from 11am-4pm each day.

Top Italian chef Giancarlo Caldesi will be running the show, teaching guests to make their very own authentic pizza in just 10 minutes using Birra Moretti beer as the special secret ingredient. The rest of your lunch break can then be spent enjoying your culinary masterpiece and relaxing with a complimentary beer. The idea is to give busy, hard working Londoners a well earned lunch break while sharing the essence of the envious Italian lifestyle, “il dolce far niente” – “the sweetness of doing nothing”.

All of the pop-up gourmet masterclasses are free, and will be available to guests on a first come first serve basis, Caldesi will be hosting 10 masterclasses at each venue.

For more info see facebook.com

OTTO Cornmeal Pizza

The idea for Otto pizza came to creators Tom and Rich when they were on a road trip across America. In Portland, Oregon they tasted cornmeal crust pizza in a local restaurant there, Dove Vivi. After tasting this heavenly pizza they decided to bring the idea to the UK, and so recently opened up OTTO in Westbourne Grove.

Cornmeal is a flour made from dried corn and is a staple food in many countries. Often it is known as polenta or grits. At Otto they use a cornmeal and flour mix for the crust to achieve a delicious texture and flavour. This cornmeal crust is much thicker and sturdier than most standard pizza bases allowing Otto to load the pizzas with more creative and generous toppings.

Although these pizzas aren’t completely gluten- or wheat-free, they have a much lower wheat content making them much more enjoyable for those with mild intolerances.

At Otto you can enjoy quirky, alternative flavours. Last weekend I tried three varieties: Jerk Chicken, Sweetcorn & Caramelised Onion and Pepperoni & Roasted Vegetables. All three were yummy, although I preferred the meat toppings. Unlike most pizzas, Otto’s food won’t leave you feeling bloated, despite the cornmeal crust being more filling. Unusually I found myself savouring the crunchy crusts rather than begrudgingly pushing them to one side to nibble on at the end. And after two slices I felt well-fed, healthy and completely satisfied.

Don’t believe me, try it for yourself...