Despite the dark and gloomy credit crunch, an authentic New York pizzeria in Notting Hill, has just launched the UK’s most expensive pizza, worth over £350, and it’s already a success.
Mulberry Street has introduced the 20 inch Beluga King to their menu, which is topped with mozzarella, onion, Italian chicken eggs and caviar. With a jar of caviar retailed at about £450 for 18 grams, some may doubt owner Maria O’Connor’s head for business, especially when most of her pizzas are selling at £20 each. But she is adamant the decision was just common sense.
“I’ve lived in the area for 16 years and I know that we have a lot of Americans and a lot of wealthy people here,” she said. “They are partial to our Louis Roederer Cristal, and I thought, what better to go with Champagne than caviar. And if they don’t buy it, then I’ll eat it!”
Mulberry Street have sold six Beluga’s in just two weeks, netting them a respectable £2,100. It would seem the people of Notting Hill are not phased by the British credit crunch, and are still prepared to splash out on a decent meal.
The pizzeria, which offers an authentic New York menu, is a surprise favourite amongst families and big spenders alike. Its high-street prices are a far cry from that of the Beluga (next best-selling pizza goes for £19.99), but Maria believes their concept is appealing to everyone.
“We get all sorts in here. It goes from a family orientated restaurant, showing Mickey Mouse on our big screens in the morning, into a cool, happening place at night. It’s amazing; we cater for everybody.”
Back in 2005, Gordon Ramsay held the expensive pizza record for a white truffle-topped dish, which he sold for £100. Now due to high demand, the Beluga King is available for £60 per slice.
Last year, New York restaurateur Nino Semilaj, launched the $1,000, 12 inch Luxury Pizza, topped with six types of caviar, fresh lobster, cr?me fraiche and chives. He claims his creation is `delicious`.
At an even more ludicrous price, American chef, Domenico Crolla’s Pizza Royale 007 grabbed an astonishing £2,150 after it was auctioned on Ebay for charity. The delectable-sounding pizza was topped with some of the world’s most expensive food ingredients, including caviar soaked in champagne, lobster soaked in cognac, Scottish smoked salmon, sunblush tomato sauce, venison medallions, prosciutto, vintage balsamic vinegar. and a sprinkling of edible 24-carat gold leaf.
Was Mullberry taking a gamble? Have you felt the force of the credit crunch and think £350 for a pizza is too much, leave your comment by clicking here.