Fran Villani, The Graphic foodie

Who are you and what do you do? 

I’m Fran, by day a branding consultant and designer, and by evening a food blogger and restaurant reviewer. I’ve been writing The Graphic Foodie since 2008.

Why did you start writing about restaurants? 

I started the blog before blogging was really a thing with the intention for it to be a simple repository for my recipes. The site grew and I started writing a few reviews and it snowballed from there. 

What has been the most memorable place you’ve reviewed? 

Being suspended 100ft in the air on a floating table attached to a crane was one I’ll never forget. The food was terrible but I was more concerned about not dropping my knife. 

What are the best places to visit in Brighton? 

I’ve lived in Brighton almost 40 years and still visit The Royal Pavilion every year. The dining room commands a gasp every time you see it with its 30ft chandelier and intricate Chinese inspired decor. I was lucky to dine here last year too which was a dream come true for me. 

Who would you invite to your dream supper club and which restaurant would you choose? 

My favourite people to share a table with are my close friends. Food always tastes better, no matter what it is, shared with people you love over animated and unrestricted conversation and bottles of nice wine into the small hours. I’ve had dinner parties that have gone on so long I’ve started cooking breakfast again before people left. 

What do you love about living in Brighton/Sussex? 

A cliche, but it has everything, the sea, the Downs and enough to keep you constantly entertained but never overwhelmed. You’ll always bump into someone you know so has a small town feel still. 

What annoys you about living in Brighton/Sussex? 

Again, a cliche but house prices and extortionate and scarce parking.

Your favourite meal? 

Homemade tagliolini with lashings of fresh truffle. 

What do you always have in the fridge? 

Eggs. Probably the most versatile ingredient you can have. I go through trays of them.

Do you like to cook? 

I’m at my happiest cooking up a storm in the kitchen, trying new recipes or honing my skills on old ones. 

Have you always loved food? 

My family are Italian so a love and respect of food is something instilled in you from a young age. I grew up foraging for mushrooms or helping make the pasta dough.

Best restaurant in Brighton to impress a date? 

Etch. impresses with its stripped back, modern fine dining in a tasteful environment. The long tasting menus are for those really wanting to treat a loved one. 

Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Brighton/Sussex? 

So many Brighton restaurants cater for vegetarians so well, I don’t think vegetarians need to be confined to the few that are exclusively meat-free. Plant based dining is popular for everyone these days. 

Best Place to eat for £20 or less in Brighton/Sussex? 

Bincho Yakitori is one of the cheapest restaurants in town but one of the best, always at the top of the list at local awards. There’s a reason why you find chefs eating there on their day off. 

Best Pizza in Brighton/Sussex? 

I once reviewed every pizzeria in Brighton, eating up to three a night! For now it’s Fatto a Mano. 

Best place for a cocktail in Brighton/Sussex? 

I love the Gingerman Group’s cocktail menu, each venue is has a different list. The salted caramel martini at The Ginger Dog is a favourite. 

Best Pub in Brighton/Sussex? 

I love the Urchin in Hove for their fantastic beers and delicious seafood. The lobster is unmissable.  

andrew williams