Kokova Magazine

Andy Kyriacou, still performing as vocalist for 80's Pop band Modern Romance, visits one of the more prestigiously located Italian restaurants, which form part of the renowned Carluccio's chain of delights...

"On pulling up outside a huge building in Covent Garden, we were greeted by several awnings displaying the Carluccio's name. At first I found it hard to ascertain which part of the building the restaurant was in but it soon became apparent that it is actually all of it!

Once inside, I was again taken aback by the sheer size. Formerly a bank, the building had been lovingly restored, whilst keeping many of the original features. Two excellent and spacious rooms with high ceilings greet you as you enter the building (one either side of the entrance), and this layout is repeated on the floor above, where we were seated.

The rooms feature effective modern lighting (but not too modern), which seems to combine extremely well with the open and relaxing ambiance of this stylish building. This is a beautiful environment in which to enjoy a meal, whether it is with work colleagues and friends, the family, or a more romantic affair.

The space between individual dining parties and tables was ample and our waitress for the evening, Sylvia quickly presented us with some olives, bread, and a mix of oil/balsamic vinegar for dipping - very traditional.

Once we had decided on the menu, with a wonderful demeanour and allowing ample time for us to enjoy the food at our own pace, Sylvia served us our starter. I had gone for the home-made chicken liver pate, whilst Anna had ordered two bread-crumbed and deep fried risotto balls; one filled with pesto, the other with ragu, served with a red pepper sauce on the side.

I sampled both risotto offerings, despite not being a particular fan of pasta or rice, but then found it hard to resist the urge to eat both whilst Anna was speaking to Sylvia. Needless to say I resisted that urge, hence my limbs still being intact, allowing me to write this review! My pate however, took things to a whole new level. Served with toasted ciabatta bread and REAL onion relish, I will now find it difficult to enjoy my regular shop-purchased pate, for the one at Carluccio's, like Tina Turner, was simply the best!

For our mains, Zuccini, rosemary potatoes and a tarragon mayonnaise accompanied my rib-eye steak, which was cooked to perfection (as medium should be - pink in the middle yet firm enough to cut with a knife). There was certainly nothing chewy about this steak.

Anna chose lobster spaghetti, which is exactly as the name suggests - pieces of prime lobster in spaghetti, with a brown crab sauce and rocket. Very tasty, but as a self-confessed extreme carnivore, this would only serve as a starter for me. After all, I am Greek. Have you seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? Well, to give you an idea, in everyday life you would struggle to find a Greek vegetarian…

Dessert arrived and we shared the two different dishes, halving each one. First off the blocks was warm pear and frangipane tart served with pear and ricotta ice cream - an unusual combination yet it worked very well. The second dessert was lemon tart with a sweet pastry and a zesty filling. Both of these were 'up to the mark' and I found it hard to choose between them. We were now extremely satiated, and agreed this was a wonderful meal.

All in all, our experience was indeed, a positive one. I watched the staff dealing with other diners, and they all presented in a confident and friendly manner - qualities which are of immense importance in this industry. I should imagine the standard of cuisine and service are much the same in all the Carluccio's restaurants, and therefore would indeed recommend a visit to one near you."

Carluccio's

The history behind the Carluccio brand is very simple, and almost reads like a novel. Antonio Carluccio and his wife Patricia opened their first restaurant in nearby Neal Street, which became a huge hit with diners. The couple also harboured a desire to open a deli and become purveyors of the finest Italian foods.

When the shop next door to the restaurant became available, they purchased it and Patricia spent a year in Italy scouring the country in search of small producers, securing products to bring back and sell in their dream deli. Having stocked the deli and seeing it become successful they began to open restaurants in various locations in the UK, most of these having an in-house deli, as standard.

This provide locals and diners an opportunity to purchase genuine imported Italian foods of quality - foods which are in fact served in the restaurant, and include many of the desserts, ham, cheese variants, olives, condiments and sauces. An ideal way to take some of Italy's finest food products home with you, but also a great advert for Carluccio's when these goods are seen and sampled in your home. Brilliant marketing!

"When we opened the first Carluccio's caffè our aim was to provide great quality, authentic Italian food at sensible prices. We also wanted to allow informal but excellent service to our customers. The aim remains the same today. We do our best to create a memorable experience in a happy bustling environment."

Simon Kossoff - Chairman of the Board at Carluccio's

Find a restaurant near you at www.carluccios.com