Alex Bell - fantasy author

I love Bewitched. I have mentioned my love for Sam before but it’s not just Sam I love – it’s all the cast, and especially Darrin. Dick York is my favourite, for obvious reasons – not only does he have the biggest pair of eyes I have ever seen on a man, but he has a widow’s peak as well. I mean, my God. I just want to . . . but never mind that, it’s not an appropriate topic for discussion on this blog. Some things should stay private.

I was watching an episode of Bewitched the other day (Eat at Mario’s) where Sam is trying to save this little Italian restaurant, and it made me think of Capers (http://www.caperspizza.co.uk/index.html). Capers is ten minutes away from where I live and it is my new favourite restaurant. The Bewitched episode reminded me of it because Mario’s seemed very similar with its exceptional food, and friendly service, and small, cosy, local feel. It’s so much nicer than going out to some big posh noisy swarming place in Southampton. Plus it’s not cold in Capers. It’s amazing how many pubs and restaurants get stingy with the heating in the winter, which just makes you disinclined to linger. The only thing Mario’s had which Capers lacks is the red and white checked tablecloths and candles in wine bottles. But I can forgive Capers that because they have pizza cutters in the shape of penny farthings on every table (to say nothing of the Jaffa drizzle cake).

And the best thing about Capers is the food. It is unbelievable. I would go there for the curried sweet potato cakes alone. Not only is the menu ridiculously huge but there are loads and loads of vegetarian options on it. The first time I went there I was so excited I almost couldn’t pick anything. I am unused to choice when eating out. Normally it’s the work of ten seconds to scan the menu and locate the vegetarian option. At Capers I am spoiled for choice and this is such a novelty to me that I literally spend all day thinking about what I’m going to have before I go. I obsess about it, if you will. To the extent that I’m going there in about half an hour and here I am writing a blog post about it because I can’t concentrate on anything else.

It just goes to show that a restaurant doesn’t have to be a vegetarian one to cater to vegetarians. Capers has plenty of meat and fish options as well as countless delicious vegetarian ones. I wish more restaurants would follow this example. Italian restaurants are usually pretty good but this one is exceptional. I went to an Italian in Southampton last week and counted just two vegetarian pizzas on the menu. Capers have seven. In addition, the Southampton restaurant had two veggie starters and Capers have – and I’m not kidding here – thirteen! That’s right – thirteen vegetarian starters. I know. I couldn’t believe it either.

I go out for dinner with my Dad quite a lot and, before, if he texted me from work and asked where I wanted to go I would reply that I didn’t mind. Now my text looks like this: CAPERS CAPERS CAPERS! If you live anywhere near Dibden Purlieu then I heartily recommend it.

Tags: Veggie stuff