Review by Christine Toner
With summer finally here most of us find ourselves preferring something a little lighter for lunch. I was lucky then to be given the chance to review the new spring/summer menu at Panna Kitchen & Canteen.
Situated in Silkhouse Court on Tithebarn Street, slap bang in the middle of the business district, it’s not surprising that Panna is already busy when I arrive for lunch. A bright and cheerful looking venue, the staff are as welcoming as the décor as we’re met by owner Peter on arrival and shown to a table near the window.
The menu consists of a selection of breakfasts, brunches and lunches (its opening hours of 7am-4.30pm means it has no need for a dinner menu) with a large selection of delicious sounding sandwiches and salads.
Panna prides itself on its love of fresh ingredients straight from the garden and sources many of its ingredients from local producers, something which is clear to see from its menu. What’s more, its bread and baguettes are baked fresh every day in a stone oven.
As it’s a sunny day my dinner date chooses the amusingly named ‘When chicken and piggy went on a diet’ salad, a summery combination of chicken breast, crispy smoky bacon, avocado, crunchy lettuce, baby spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes, served with balsamic vinegar syrup and extra virgin herb olive oil.
Feeling a little more adventurous, I decide to try the spicy Mexican brunch, a Latin American-inspired dish comprising chopped sweet tomatoes, Spanish picante chorizo, chicken breast strips, sweet red onion, avocado, jalapeno and four beaten eggs, topped with matured cheddar cheese.
Our dishes arrive quickly and both look delicious. My dining partner’s salad is a good size and comes with a generous serving of dressing – which is often not the case when ordering salads elsewhere. There’s plenty of chicken and bacon and the cherry tomatoes are ripe and juicy.
My Mexican brunch has a fiery kick and the chorizo and sweet red onion complement each other perfectly. I would have liked perhaps a little more chorizo and chicken as there wasn’t a great amount and this meant the dish was a little overpowered by the eggs. It was deliciously flavoured however thanks to the jalapenos and a sprinkling of cumin seeds.
The efficiency with which we were served and the range of tasty light bites make Panna a perfect lunch time venue and, given its location at the heart of the commercial district, it’s not surprising it’s a favourite among Liverpool’s business folk.
Definitely worth a visit!
