Because Locatelli is always Locatelli!

Last week I told you about the London Restaurants Festival. This time I will tell you where I decided to have dinner, taking advantage of the promotional menus offered by some of the most famous restaurants in town during that week.

Between all of them I choose Refettorio, the second Locatelli’s  Restaurant after Locanda Locatelli! I discover it after my first “Taste of London” Festival where I had the chance to try an amazing piadina prepared for me by the same Giorgio Locatelli and where he was speaking about the place.

So I decided last week that was time to go and check their menu. I didn't know it was in an hotel so of course I have to admit the ambient is not too cozy as I could have expected, but the dinner was stunning and absolutely worth the deal.

After a Campari and some canapé, made with simple pasta brise, cherry tomatoes and oregano, I ordered for starter a pasta dish: Conchiglie (seashell shaped pasta) with asparagus tips, Burrata cheese and chives! It was delicious, the fresh ingredients, the combination between them and  the pasta cooked al dente and a quite good portion too.

To drink I had a fantastic Tormaresca Rosso 2008 (Negroamaro Cabernet Sauvignon) from Puglia and as a main course we ordered Stuffed aubergines with parmesan crust, roasted cherry tomatoes, thyme and rocket pesto. Really tasty! But the big main was a pan fried pork medallions, grilled courgettes, Girolles mushrooms and pork sauce. That was just so tender … it was stunning.

Finally I couldn't resist to try the ic ecream: three scoops of ice cream, vanilla, cocoa and Stracciatella, topped with morello cherries and served in a tuile basket. Really good!

Finally for who loves the Sicilian cuisine, be aware that Locatelli has just publish a new recipe book about it “Made In Italy: Food & Stories” and he paired it with a new set menu dedicated to the South of Italy and that you will find in Refettorio.