Known more for its up market housing than it's outwardly up market dining. With the exception of Mint - which is now gone. What is it that people in Ranelagh are after?
For an area more known for its highty tighty crowd, big SUVs taking up all the on street parking or running you over on the narrow little roads behind the main street. Or simply for the mocca frappa chino (yeah you get it?), I'm always surprised what little Ranelagh has for good eateries. I know I'm being picky - but aren't we told to be in 'these times' - how annoying that phrase is now!
It was cold last night - extremely. Fingers were about to fall off. But we still managed to walk the length and breadth of this village looking for something a little special or unusual.
Mario's is the place you bring the in-laws for lunch, good pizza but a heavy price on it - especially to listen to all those kids!
Cafe bar barf (it sounds better than when writen) - yes it makes me very ill after each visit - coming from both ends - not very nice to say I know but I think these things are important to share. Before you ask the one in town has the same effect.
Tribeca stole the chicken wing recipe from the Elephant and Castle - and anybody who knows me will know where my loyalty lies.
Ochos was closed.
So was eatery 120. But we're sick of there anyway. Downstairs is too tight, upstairs... There's just something I can't pin-point about the place that never makes me feel very comfortable. Maybe it's the company?!
The wild Goose was closed.
So was Diep le Shaker. But we wouldn't have gone there anyway. Not for a big pile of noodles that's slopped onto your plate and charged a fortune for the privilege. We learnt the hard way and have not been back since.
So we arrive at Pinnochio's.
Not much to look at but really it's the last stop - or the first if your arriving from the Luas as it is situated just underneath. It is more comfortable inside than it looks from outside. The warmth of the Italian staff make up for this immediately.
To start we shared the cheese and asparagus tart. Délicieux! Or delizioso! As this place allows you to feel you may be in Italy! The flavors were beautifully balanced with a hint of nutmeg in the cheese sauce with the asparagus bringing it to life. The puff pastry was a perfect accomplement just the way it should be - light and flavorsome. For mains we have pasta. Hubby had the ferrari pasta - not hot but a big bowl of perfectly cooked uncomplicated and light tomato and basil pesto sauce. Mhh. I had the lasagna with a twist. Actually a few. Diced lamb within folds of very light pasta sheets, no Roma brand here, these were notably homemade, wrapped in a light and almost zingy white sauce and served with a perfectly cooked lamb chop. The dish was garneshed with mint leaves and dark chocolate and although not big it was definitely worth it. All this washed down with the best Valpolicella. And what better to follow with a fresh slice of delicious tirimisu!
This is a place run by Italian's to serve Italians and is recommended!
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