AMAZINGLY Pita Pit is celebrating the first birthday of its arrival in Manchester – already the handy, healthy outlet in Piccadilly Place is something of an institution, deservedly shortlisted for Best Cheap Eats of the Year in the Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2014.
From 7am onwards each weekday, it’s the refuelling pit stop of choice for a growing number of on-the-go city centre grazers. The eaterie’s manager Emma Overmire says some of their regulars come in twice a day, every day, breakfast and lunch. First time round they might tuck into the hand-made organic porridge, prepared fresh each day, while at lunch the grilled chicken filled pita is the most popular.
Veggies’ pita of choice (it also happens to be TOM’s) features Falafel, made specially for Pita Pit in London. This Middle Eastern fave is usually a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chick peas, fava beans or both. Here it is hand-rolled, grilled and partnered with houmous, spinach, tomato, onions, cucumbers, black olives, feta cheese and tzatziki. In line with the health focus of venue and punter, wholemeal pita is the preferred wrap.
Want to know more about the nutritional value about what you are eating? The chain, a hge global success, provide a download on their website detailing full nutritional information on each dish. The grilled-to-order pita wraps are low in salt, carbohydrates and calories. All vegetables used are delivered fresh each day and hand prepped (no pre-prepped items at all). All this worthiness would count for nothing if the food wasn’t so enticing. If you are a spice hunter try the current Chef’s Recommendation – Chicken Curry Pita “with the spice level cranked up”.
After that you might need a thirst-quencher. Wash down with Whole Earth Organic soft drinks at a quid. For for £2.25 they offer the Berry White premium range. Among these superfoods in liquid form TOM particularly recommends Goji Berries with Peaches and Pomegranate with Blueberry!
The most ethical of fast food chains will further heighten its profile in the New Year with the opening of its second eaterie in the city, on Deansgate. This too will maintain the same sustainable standards. All packaging, including the takeaway cups and lids, are compostable. Pita Pit are happy to pay the premium price for this. All their stores are as energy efficient as possible and filtered water is always supplied free.
Pita Pit Piccadilly Place was on the six-strong shortlist in the Cheap Eats category at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards 2014.
Pita Pit, 3 Piccadilly Place, Ground Floor, Manchester M1 3BN. 0800 0086490. twitter.com/pitapitmcr. Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 11am-4pm. For full menu visit this link.