Tag Archives: pasta

Weekend Brunch at Theo’s Simple Italian

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At the weekend I had the opportunity to visit Hotel Indigo Kensington for a taste of the new Theo’s Simple Italian weekend brunch menu. This stylish, contemporary hotel is conveniently tucked away minutes away from Earl’s Court station, but feels sheltered from the tourist trail.

Theo's Simple ItalianTheo's Simple Italian

The restaurant, Theo’s Simple Italian, is bright and modern with patterned floors and colourful furniture, an Instagrammer’s dream. The group of bloggers wandered round, with Bellini’s in hand, taking photos of every detail.

Theo's Simple Italian

Before the feast began we had the chance to watch the master chef at work, as he demonstrated how to make the best homemade pasta. I few tips I took away from the lesson: smaller eggs tend to have brighter better yolks, buy a pasta machine from Imperia (£40 on Amazon), cook the pasta al dente and finish cooking in with the sauce. As a pasta lover myself I volunteered to help with the ravioli making, I vowed to myself to spend more time mastering the techniques at home.

Theo's Simple ItalianTheo's Simple Italian

The new brunch menu is designed for sharing. Priced at £35 per person it includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, an anti-pasti platter, a dish of fresh pasta or risotto, a seasonal meat or fish dish and dessert.

Highlights for me included the creamy burrata with proscuitto di Parma, Pappardelle con ragu di manzo (slow cooked beef in Chianti and San Marzano tomatoes) and Theo’s famous, vibrant yellow, Amalfi lemon tart, which lasted barely a minute on our table! The whole meal was paired with delicious Italian wines, carefully chosen by the sommelier.

Good, relaxed Italian food is not easy to find in London, but Theo Randall ticks every box with this generous and flavoursome brunch. Book a room at Hotel Indigo so you can enjoy a European siesta after gorging on the wonderful Italian cuisine.

More information and book a table here.

La Tagliata, Liverpool Street

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The best Italian restaurants are often the simplest – little, unpretentious eateries that only offer a few specialities and service with a smile. This is exactly what you will find at La Tagliata, a new Italian establishment near Liverpool Street.

The restaurant is named after the main dish served here… La Tagliata is a traditional Italian steak dish – sliced meat with potatoes, rocket and tomatoes, rustic but delicious when done well. The team here is passionate about offering high quality Italian food without the endless menu options and complications. Manager Carlo Palumbo brings his much-loved family recipes to the table, while executive chef Antonio Tonelli brings the experience and techniques he has learned from working in southern Italian kitchens since the age of 13.

Choose between just a main course for £19, a starter and main for £24 or three courses for £29. For first course there is a choice of four seasonal sauces with daily homemade tagliatelle. The sauce options when we visited were: pomodoro, limone, ragu and pesto and the special for the week, white truffle. Unable to decide on just two the lovely Carlo let us taste three, omitting the basic tomato pomodoro and ragu. Pesto is classic and flavoursome, truffle felt indulgent and special, but the limone was our favourite, a light and creamy sauce, originally from Capri, made with egg yolk, lemon and parmesan.

For vegetarians there is a Scamorza cheese and porcini mushroom option to replace the Tagliata. Though I would urge everyone to try the delicious steak: thinly sliced meat with a wonderfully seasoned chargrilled edge, topped with fresh peppery rocket, the sweetest cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and thick shavings of parmesan. We tasted both the herby roasted potatoes and the lesser known shepherd’s potato (crushed and seasoned). If I had to recommend one I’d say go for the roasted as the taste and texture is so appealing.

For dessert there are a few classic Italian dishes: cheese, pannacotta or tiramisu. If you are a fan of coffee and cream I urge you to order tiramisu, a glass of pillowy sweet cream and sponge.

La Tagliata represents the best things about Italian culture; passion, pasta and parmesan. There’s not much that can go wrong with these ingredients, and this little start-up manages to exceed expectations bringing some humble authenticity to an overcrowded chain restaurant ridden area of London.

More information here: www.la-tagliata.com

Things to do in Rome

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TO SEE

Vatican City (Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica): Take the metro to Ottaviano. From there it’s a three minute walk to the great walls of the Vatican City where you queue to buy tickets and enter the Vatican museums and Sistine chapel. Resist the queue-jumping promises from the commission-hungry tour guides and wait in the fast moving queue. Or to avoid the queues and the hassle completely, buy tickets in advance.

After weaving your way through the scores of tourists and amateur photographers in the Vatican Museums to the ultimate, wondrous Sistine Chapel, follow the city wall to the epic St Peter’s Basilica.

MAXXI (Contemporary Art Gallery): Back onto the metro for two stops to Flaminio then jump on a U2 tram up Via Flaminia four stops along where you’ll discover the wildly creative MAXXI museum. Opened in 2010 and designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the building itself is as impressive as the art within. Free entry with the Roma Pass.

Aventino Keyhole: Hike up the hill to Aventino, and peek through the keyhole near Santa Sabina church to spy an amazing view of St Peter’s.

Coliseum: The colossal stadium ruins are familiar from Ridley Scott’s film, Gladiator, and are just as impressive in real life. Skip the queue with a Roma Pass.

TO DO

Trevi Fountain: this spectacular fountain and sculpture is hidden among the cobbled streets of Tridente. Throw a coin in and make a wish.

Porta Portese flea market: Rome’s biggest and most famous flea market is found just across the Ponte Sublicio Bridge on Sunday mornings. Search through the stalls to pick up a bargain.

Spa at Boscolo Palace: After a day on foot seeing all the city’s sights, enjoy a relaxing massage in the oriental Kamispa at the Boscolo Palace Roma Hotel.

TO SHOP

Fendi: Pop into the flagship store of Italian designer brand, Fendi, and gawp at the luxury clothing and accessories on display.

Super: Located in the artesian area of Monti, Super is a lovely little concept store selling unique clothes and fun gifts.

Spiezia: Rumoured to be one of the smallest stores in Rome, Spiezia has been run by optician Alessandro Spiezia since 1967. Stocking prestigious designer brands alongside his own glasses and sunglasses, this store is sure to satisfy even the most demanding and unconventional of clientele.

Riga Dritto: This recently opened stationery shop from Milan stocks the cutest pencils and pens from Japan, and pretty paper products made in Italy.

D Cube Heritage: As night falls on Piazza del Fico, this small store lights up the street with its stylish homeware from Italian brands such as Seletti, and some quirky imported speciality brands including Falcon.

TO EAT AND DRINK

Antico Caffe Greco: Founded in 1760, this opulent cafe on the main street of Via dei Condotti is always crammed full of tourists but I recommend standing at the bar with the locals to enjoy a strong espresso.

Pipero Al Rex: Stop off for a speedy Michelin-star lunch at an intimate friendly restaurant. I recommend Chef Pipero’s famous carbonara with thick cut chunks of bacon, rich creamy egg-yolk sauce and a sprinkling of the very best Parmigiano.

Trattoria Settimio all’Arancia: Aperitivo is a must in Italy. As they are laying out the tables for dinner, enjoy a delicious glass of Prosecco and an accompanying plate of prosciutto while watching the sun set.

00100 Pizza: This inconspicuous little pizza outlet was one of the few open at lunchtime on a Sunday (believe me, we did our research). From the owner of renowned pizzeria Sforno comes this chunky, cheap pizza sold by the slice. I loved the Patate e Pancetta and the Classico Suppli with irresistible arancini-esque balls of deliciousness.

Pompi: There is only one place to try Tiramisu in Rome. Tourists and locals alike queue for this speciality at Pompi. Available in different varieties, the boxed dessert costs just €3,50 and can be enjoyed in or out. Get there early to avoid disappointment. Who said Tiramisu for breakfast wasn’t a good idea?

Bar del Fico: Late night drinks are best enjoyed in the atmospheric Piazza del Fico. If you’re hungry, dine in the super trendy restaurant, otherwise enjoy a cocktail or beer in the chic Parisian-style bar.

Frigidarium: There is always a queue outside Frigidarium. Stop off on your way home from a night out for a creamy gelato, available in an array of tempting flavours.

TO STAY

Boscolo Palace: There are three  Boscolo hotels in Rome, the 5 star palace has a great range of facilities on offer. The large, luxurious rooms will provide an ideal home for your weekend in Rome.

Many thanks to the Rome Tourist Board for their help with this trip:

www.turismoroma.it and Tourist information service: Roma 0039 060608.