Kokova Magazine

Local foodie Joanne Banks joins us at Kokova Magazine, as she searches out new bars, bistros and cafes for lunches, light bites and snacks.

"I spent a cold February morning hanging around waiting for my car to be serviced, and I can tell you it is not something you really want to be doing in the half term school holidays!

I don't really know Coulsdon (Surrey) well but today I discovered Nonna Rosa's Café and Deli on Brighton Road. I had my youngest daughter with me and looking down the high street I noted that aside from Neros and Waitrose the road was home to not a lot else - until I spied Nonna Rosa. What a find!

The owner is Angelo Conte, who six years ago gave up his executive role in London to open up an authentic Italian, but slightly different, café and bistro all in one.

We ventured inside and, with excellent coffee and freshly made paninis, we thoroughly enjoyed our late brunch - so much so that we also took away a supper of Calamari in a delicious tomato sauce, Chicken in Pasta with Italian sausage and the parmigiana which I love: Layers of grilled aubergines with tomato sauce, besciamella, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Children 6 years and under eat for free at Nonna Rosa, and there is a full lunch menu with a delightful display of homemade Italian dishes. Beautiful salads compliment the menu, and in the summer Italian gelato.

Homemade cakes and pastries, made by Angelo's wife are also available - and my daughter was munching on a cannoli which Angelo can make to order.

Just wait till my car is due in for its next service. Take a look at what is on the menu at www.nonnarosascafe.co.uk

There are even Italian Masterclasses, run by Alesha Allen, taking place in the cafe. Brilliant preparation for the summer holiday! Actually, I think I may just need to go along for an Italian evening of food, wine and language. For more information visit www.italianmasterclass.co.uk

Thank you Angelo - and who would have known that this was Coulsdon!"

Jo Banks

Discover more from Joanne Banks at www.jobanks.org