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I got taken here by my wife on Friday 10th March for my 30th Birthday and it was truly one of the best meals if not the best I have ever had! I had wanted to go for some years as I am a huge fan of Giorgio Locatelli and so when we walked in, it was a complete surprise as I had no idea I was being taken there. The welcome was excellent, very warming and completely un-pretentious which is always a danger with places of this calibre. We had a lovely table and overcame some delicious bread and oil of sublime quality. The wine list is all Italian naturally but not a problem; working in the wine trade, this presented me with a problem – what could I possibly choose!!?? I went for a 2006 Brunello di Montalcino as I had already picked my main dish and so knew this would be a great match.
My starter was scallops with celeriac puree, lovely, light and almost palate cleansing in a strange way, very pleasant experience. Next came the pasta ribbons with chicken livers and crispy sage; I am a HUGE pasta fan and offal fan, this was excellent, the sauce was rich and highly tasty without being too rich and claggy. Main was braised ox cheek with polenta and seasonal vegetables; ox cheek was like butter and the sauce of bitter chocolate and red wine was every bit as luscious as I thought it would be, portion was excellent given its £30 price tag, cooked to perfection, and the polenta was well prepared and only a small amount needed. Dessert was chocolate and pistachio fondant with milk ice cream and toffee sauce; perfect end to the meal. All ended with espresso and house chocolates which themselves exquisite. The fact it was my birthday meal did heighten the evenings atmosphere and enjoyment, but with that said, it was still probably the best meal I have ever had. Can’t wait to go back again!
