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NOW CLOSED: PizzaExpress have a new kids Piccolo menu. Tell them what you think of it and be in with a chance of winning one of two £80 vouchers

338 replies

AnnMumsnet · 30/04/2013 10:53

PizzaExpress is releasing a new kids menu and to coincide with the launch, they'd love you to hear what you think of it.

PizzaExpress say "We know how stressful meal times can be, so we have worked hard on our new Create Your Own Piccolo menu to make sure that your kids can have more choice, they can now even choose a Gluten-free base. We believe in treating kids like mini adults, they should be able to choose exactly what they want and therefore enjoy eating their favourite pizza".

Here's a link to the new menu if you haven?t had the chance to try it out for yourself yet.

So:

~ Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?

~ If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?

~ Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?

Everyone who shares their thoughts on this thread will be entered into a draw in which two winners will each win a £80 PizzaExpress voucher for a family meal.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

PS check out their Facebook comp for a chance for your child to win an Italian cookery lesson.

OP posts:
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Tee2072 · 30/04/2013 10:57

~ Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?

No, not yet.

~ If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?

I like that there seems to be more choices, especially of pasta. My nearly always gets bolognese, but at least now I can say to him "there's one with mushrooms, how about that?" I'm also pleased at the wider pudding options.

~ Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?

My son eats very well so that aspect doesn't really worry me. And I imagine he'll stick with the bolognese!!

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VivaLeBeaver · 30/04/2013 11:02

I haven't tried it out yet.

First reactions were that I thought you could pick extra, different toppings for pizzas anyway. Maybe I was wrong.

Dd wouldn't be interested at all. She's very boring with pizza and just has margherita every time.

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worldgonecrazy · 30/04/2013 11:08

~ Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?

Not tried it but it looks okay, providing that the ingredients are exactly the same as those used for adults. I ordered orange juice at another high street chain, and they brought me fresh-squeezed, and DD reconstituted stuff. I was not impressed - why should she have inferior food just because she's a child?

~ If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?

It looks good and they are all choices she would go for.

~ Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?

DD eats anything and everything anyway. It may help with fussy eaters.

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OldBeanbagz · 30/04/2013 11:09

Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?

I haven't had the chance to try it out yet.

If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?

There's a lot of choice for kids and plenty of vegetarian items too. I like the fact that you have gluten free choices and a dairy free sweet. Great for friends who have special diets or allergies!

Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?

I think both my kids will try the 'create your own' element as they're both used to picking their own toppings for pizza at home.

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MoaningMingeWhingesAgain · 30/04/2013 11:10

It looks yum to me and it's making me hungry Grin However my DCs would only want a margherita every time, and I always have a margherita plus mushrooms Blush.

The main menu looks good as well, and I'm not creeping, we haven't got a local Pizza Express so I haven't eaten at one for years. I like the supermarket ones though.

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PiHigh · 30/04/2013 11:16

Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?
Haven't tried it.

If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?
It's ok. I don't think it's particularly different to the previous one. There are perhaps more things they would like on the menu but I expect they would choose their usual Margherita.

Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?
I think the older one might (no idea what she would choose as she's fussy so depends on her mood Wink), though she'd probably be as happy with a margherita. I think she'd have preferred to mix and match items - so choose say a slice of pizza and a small portion of pasta to have with it. We would perhaps facilitate this by ordering one pizza and one pasta dish (we have two kids) and then sharing them between the two.

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BedHanger · 30/04/2013 11:22

This would be just the kind of meal we look for for our toddler, although he doesn't eat salad so the choice to swap that for cooked veg would be good. He would really enjoy choosing toppings (he's 2.5).

The crucial thing for us is getting the starter in front of him ASAP - he doesn't wait well. A swiftly served starter really improves the quality of our me. Not just for us, for everyone :o.

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BedHanger · 30/04/2013 11:23

Meal not me...

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BettyandDon · 30/04/2013 11:26

I went to pizza express a few months ago. I think we had almost exactly what was on this menu. I can't see anything new except the gluten free thing for dessert which I imagine has low interest.

We had a salad and dough balls, pizza and small pudding with babycino. My DD liked it a lot.

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CMOTDibbler · 30/04/2013 11:28

Its OK, but it would be nice to have something a bit more adventurous as an option as part of the childrens menu. DS would be quite happy with it though.

I can tell Pizza Express, that having studiously avoided going there even when I had vouchers, that we will be going there now as I can actually eat something with the introduction of gluten free dishes. At long last!

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FreelanceMama · 30/04/2013 11:29

~ Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?
We used the Piccolo menu for the first time this weekend with our toddler. He loved the doughballs, and enjoyed the pasta (it was good to be able to take the rest away with us in a box for tea), but I was disappointed with the desserts and the drinks - the Harvester does fruit skewers which are great as our son loves fresh fruit like strawberries and melon, and he doesn't drink milk, or have chocolate so the bambicino was wasted on him.

~ If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?

~ Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?
Our son's too young for the create your own at the moment but I'm sure he will enjoy choosing as he has quite strong preferences about food!

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TheOneWithTheHair · 30/04/2013 11:30

Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?

Not tried it yet.

If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?

It looks ok but uninspiring. I don't think there's that much choice tbh.

Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?

I don't think they'd be that bothered by the 'create your own'. They'd be too busy asking if they could get smaller portions from the adult menu. I love that the bambinoccino is still there. They love that bit. So do I as I can have my coffee in good company.

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dinkystinky · 30/04/2013 11:31

~ Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?

Not yet -but we went to Pizza Express a month or so ago and its very similar to the old menu as far as I can tell (just a few more pasta options).

~ If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?

I think it represents good value for money and nice to see pasta dish alternatives.

~ Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?

My kids would definitely enjoy the create your own element - DS1 would go for Mozzarella and cheese with lots of meat on it, DS2 for mozzarella and cheese with lots of veggies. They pick their own toppings for pizzas at home.

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ShatnersBassoon · 30/04/2013 11:33

Haven't tried the menu.

It looks good, not hugely different from the old menu? Enough choice, recognisable ingredients. The puddings look nice.

I think the older children would enjoy creating their own pizza, not sure if they'd want to add or take away ingredients, but I think they'd enjoy having some control over their meal ie copy fussy mum who likes to pick menus apart Blush

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Turnipvontrapp · 30/04/2013 11:34

Haven't tried it but looks like there's more choice than on the previous one. My problem is that the pizza sizes for kids have shrunk so my hungry boys want adult size pizzas now anyway whereas at Frankie and benny's the kids pizzas are a much better size.

Do like pizza express though, just annoying having to pay adult prices for a 10 yr old and 8 yr old.

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undertheduvet · 30/04/2013 11:34

Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?
Seems to be the same menu we had when in London over Christmas.

If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?
I think its a good menu for kids, enough choice for them without being overwhelmed. I particually like that the dough balls come with salad, most kids menus at other restaurants seem to think kids are allergic to veg, mine love it!

Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?
DS1 would go for the ham one but remove the olives, DS2 will eat anything! I think it will give them some independence and feel especially the older kids that they are able to have more of a say in what they choose to eat.
My kids love pizza anyway so pizza express is always a hit with them

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fuzzpig · 30/04/2013 11:36

Will go back and answer Qs in a minute but just wanted to say YAY!!! Gluten free stuff included on the menu, this makes me very happy as two people in my family are coeliacs. It's really nice that more restaurants are providing for this diet now :)

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poozlepants · 30/04/2013 11:43

Yes we tried it a few weeks ago.

I liked the idea of the veg with the dough balls and actually Ds (4) ate them which was good- presumably because he slathered them in garlic butter.

I thought the choice was better and liked the idea of the pasta with garlic butter as DS is pretty fussy and new things are a disaster if something in it looks funny. The puddings look good and Ds loves the chocolate cake as it's small and not too heavy. He absolutely adored the bambinoccino - it was the hit of the whole day and it tasted good too.

Create your own would be good for older kids I think.

Mind you we had a lovely time as the staff at the branch (Leith) we went to made a huge fuss of DS and he keeps asking to go back.

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RachelHRD · 30/04/2013 11:44

Not tried the new menu yet but we all love Pizza Express as a treat.

New menu doesn't look hugely different it I like the options for children with allergies which is good for DS as he is gluten intolerant and restaurant choices can be very limited. Like the wider options for puddings and more pizza toppings.

I think my DC might like to choose their own pizza toppings although I suspect they'd end up with pepperoni or chicken as usual but it might make them feel more grown up having the choice.

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megandraper · 30/04/2013 11:45

Not tried it yet.

Two of my children are coeliac, so can only eat gluten-free. Very pleased to see Pizza Express finally offering g-f pizza! And the g-f chocolate brownie dessert is a great option.

However, I'd really like to see an alternative to the dough-balls, so they could have something then while their friends are scoffing dough-balls. Shouldn't be too hard to make g-f dough-balls? They would love those.

I'd also like to see the Piccolo menu clearly labelled to show which of the options are safe for a gluten-free diet. I can't tell if all the pizza toppings are safe, or if the ice-cream is safe, or if the chocolate powder used on the bambinoccinos is safe or not. At the bottom of the menu there is a symbol for g-f dishes, but it's not shown against any of the dishes - not even the 'gluten-free brownie'!

But well done for finally getting into the g-f arena.

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WeAreEternal · 30/04/2013 11:48

~ Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?

yes, we have a pizza express nearby and it is our favourite restaurant as they are very good (and happy to) accommodate for my allergies.
Plus the food is lovely.

DS loves the new menu, he is vegetarian and loves that he now has even more choice, he especially loved the burro pasta.

~ Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?

DS actually had one of them on Sunday. He chose mushroom, tomato, mozzarella, sweetcorn and red peppers.
He loved it, he can usually only have a margarita so was very impressed with the option to have anything he wanted on his pizza.
Because it was quiet they even let him play chef and sit at the counter and roll his own dough out, which he was thrilled with.

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domesticslattern · 30/04/2013 11:48

Not really much different to before? We always used to change the pizza toppings anyway as DD1 hates mushrooms but likes the ham and olives of a La Reine. Pity that the fresh fruit dessert option has gone, she used to like the strawberry sundae. The fruit skewers idea up thread is a good one but ppresumably expensive? Also, is the salad is just cucumber and pepper as before, not leaves? I have never met a toddler who finishes their lettuce.
Would be great if Pizza Express could do child sized drinks as a standard orange juice is a silly size for a small child.
DD1 likes Pizza Express, I'm sure we'll try this menu but probably just have what we used to have iyswim.

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TuffEric · 30/04/2013 11:49

Have you tried the new menu yet?

No, but have taken DS (18 months) and her friends/older cousins several times with previous menu and they have always enjoyed it.

What are your initial reactions to the menu?
Like that there are more pasta choices. Overall good selection of different and healthy choices. Like that you have mentioned keeping food low-salt, less fat and that there are gluten-free options. Like the concept of getting children involved in selecting their food (and I didn't realise you did school visits, encourage home cooking, etc: really like that aspect of your website).

Do you think your kids will enjoy the "create your own" element, etc?
Mine is too young at the moment, but thinking of her older cousins, they would definitely love this bit. One is quite fussy and would like to be able to change the options, and the other would just like to feel a little more in control, and would enjoy the fun aspect of choosing. They would probably choose chicken and mushrooms, although one is a big fan of olives too! This would enable them to feel more involved in choosing their food, and for the fussy one would probably encourage more eating!

As an aside, bearing in mind one mum's comments above, one of the reasons we have been to Pizza Express so often with the children is that in the branches we have used (SW London), the servers have always ensured the childrens' starters arrive quickly and before anyone else's food does, which can be important when dining with several children and adults!

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fuzzpig · 30/04/2013 11:49

~ Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?
Hadn't seen it before. Have been to PE with the family lots of times (and really loved the original kids menu - out of all the chains we go to it was the best IMO. But not been since new menu arrived.

~ If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?
New one looks good due to having more choice of mains in particular (and the arrival of gluten free stuff - excellent!). I am a bit confused by the prices for adding extras though - it would be good if it had the price per extra item written on the menu. Or perhaps a 'Any three toppings for £x' type thing - this would be easier if I was getting the DCs to choose before the waiter arrived.

~ Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?
Yes, DD (5) in particular would love this. Mushrooms and more mushrooms (strange child). DS (3) is more into plain stuff so probably wouldn't be bothered by the create your own element - so I like the fact that the menu still has the usual selections on there.

I want pizza now Envy (mine's a pollo ad astra on romana base with PE house dressing slathered on top. Cheers :o)

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NoKandoo · 30/04/2013 11:50

~ Have you tried out the new Create your Own piccolo menu and if you have, what did you think of it?

Haven't tried it yet, but will be trying it.

~ If you hadn't seen it yet, what are your initial reactions to the menu?

Looks v similar to the old one, though my children will be very cross that the nutella dough balls have gone!

~ Do you think your kids will enjoy the 'create your own' element of the menu? Will it make them feel more involved and interested in eating the food? What combinations would they choose?

My children will choose exactly the same as they always choose, namely dough balls and margherita pizza. They are v conservative. They will be v disappointed that nutella dough balls are no longer on the menu, though.

Everyone who shares their thoughts on this thread will be entered into a draw in which two winners will each win a £80 PizzaExpress voucher for a family meal.
Would be lovely!!

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