Nibbles & Tipples November

Article By Cheryl Cade, Beer Educator

I am afraid that this month’s Nibbles and Tipples is going to make you hungry.

Each time I think back to the food at Benoli, I am in a heady dream of dessert (but I am going to make you wait for it). I remember the old family Italian on Orford Hill (Norwich) before it changed hands as always being one of the best for Italian coffee (if the décor was a little dated). I had promised that I would try to get to the new restaurant, yet there always seemed to be other places to go. Ok, those of you who know the secret can now shout, ‘What took you so long?’ Those of you that don’t know, yet love authentic Italian food, pick up the phone and book! Face it, I don’t usually enthuse like this.

We’ve been working really hard and felt we deserved a treat. We weren’t dressed up enough for some places, yet still wanted something nice. So, just being round the corner and everywhere seemed quiet, we’d finally try here. On arrival, it was full. The lady found us a table in 1 hour (more time to shop). When we returned, we were ushered upstairs through the well-planned and tastefully modern décor to our table. Then we met Pedro. You don’t need to read the menu, just listen to him or any of the staff talk about the food and nod. The passion and, even better, the knowledge are there. These people have tasted what they are selling and love it.

We started with olives and 24-month parmesan croquettes. Crispy and crunchy deep-fried pasta on the outside is matched with soft creamy centre. The suggested wine, Oltre Passo, had a crispness and dry finish that moved us nicely on to our mains. Bucatini Vongole for my husband; warm octopus with a chicory, gorgonzola and walnut salad for me. Last time I had Octopus, it was chewy and tasteless, yet Pedro convinced me, and my word, he was right. It was perfectly

cooked with elements of crabstick and the sea. We cleared our plates, yet did not want the experience to end; bring on dessert! Mascarpone ice cream with a little side of warm spiced cake for him, while I picked tiramisu. I was worried by the size, yet the first bite took me on a journey of delight, a sweet bitter topping that was crisp, yet chocolate and coffee sat on top of sweet cream above a pillow of spongy coffee boozy cake. I couldn’t speak. The balance was perfect. When asking Pedro why everything tasted so good, he just wrote down the word, ‘Homemade’.

Would I return? Like a shot! For the service, staff, décor and the tiramisu. They also have vegetarian and vegan options

I also made a quick visit the recently opened St. Giles Pantry (Norwich). Sitting next to Bread Source, this new deli opened by Alan, prides itself on only having local products, from crackers and chutneys to the more unusual spirits and wines. Alan is passionate about sharing the stories of the producers in his small but relaxed deli with well-considered seating to allow for consumption of some devilish looking cakes.

Keep your eye out for his meet the producer’s events in the future.

Cheers, until next month. Cheryl Visit: https://cherylcade.com