4 minute read
The Cicchetti
The Cicchetti experience
Cicchetti Knightsbridge, a critically acclaimed brand that kickstarted the trend for cicchetti (small plates), is now open directly opposite Harrods, London on Hans Road.
LATEST ADDITION
Cicchetti Knightsbridge is the newest restaurant from the multi-award winning and family-run San Carlo Group, and is setting out to offer elevated authentic Italian dining with just a touch of Venetian bácaro culture, say the company.
San Carlo Restaurants is owned by the Distefano family and has 26 restaurants across the UK, with seven in London (including the latest, Cicchetti Knightsbridge) and the recently opened San Carlo at Manchester Airport’s new Terminal 2, as well as restaurants in Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Leeds and Leicester along with sites in Qatar, Riyadh, Bahrain and Bangkok.
Their flagship sites include Alto by San Carlo at the rooftop, Selfridges, London, Signor Sassi Knightsbridge and Cicchetti Piccadilly, and the group’s expansion will continue apace this year with further international openings in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Qatar, say the company.
REGIONALLY INSPIRED MENU
Upon visiting Cicchetti Knightsbridge, expect a kaleidoscope of colourful sharing plates, fabulous wines and cocktails all served in a sophisticated and elegant setting.
The menu from Cicchetti’s executive chef, Andrea Parente, bursts with freshly prepared regionally inspired plates using ingredients sourced from some of Italy’s best artisan producers.
In keeping with the restaurant’s name, many of the dishes are designed for sharing and feature all the Cicchetti classics (from the Piccadilly, Covent Garden and Manchester restaurants) alongside seasonal specials and brand-new dishes unique to Knightsbridge.
Diners can start with an aperitivo such as a Bellini Veneziana exclusively sourced prosecco alongside perfect-for-picking crostini and stuzzichini, including Prosciutto San Daniele with gnocco fritto and burrata with Parma ham and black truffle.
The main menu features seasonally inspired choices and Cicchetti classic signature dishes, including the ever
popular and decadent black truffle ravioli, burrata with smoked aubergine and toasted hazelnuts, and black salt sea bass with herb and olive oil salmoriglio.
WINE, BEER AND COCKTAILS
In Venice, cicchetti are traditionally served alongside a glass of wine or two, and the new restaurant’s wine list features some of the finest Italian vintages with diners also able to choose from Italian beers or speciality cocktails, if they prefer for the perfect ‘Aperitivo Hour’. The Bellini Veneziana is a summery blend of white peach and prosecco, and there is also the classic Negroni or Aperol Spritz to consider. Cicchetti’s elegant and timeless interiors are spread across two floors and have been designed by Londonbased studio, Fettle, and are inspired by with white peach juice and small, family-run producers sitting alongside better-known wineries. Friends, family and colleagues can gather and enjoy the journey across the length of the Italy’s vineyards with a crisp glass of wine from Piedmont and Veneto in the north, through to Campania and Sardinia in the south.
Classical Venetian architecture, and the work of some of the city’s most influential residents – such as Carlo Scarpa – is referenced throughout the scheme with the use of plenty of varnished wood and a light and fresh palette evoking the water taxis and luxury yachts synonymous with the city of Venice.
Blending the contemporary with the classic, there are luxurious materials such as polished marble, burnished brass and bespoke art deco mirrored ceilings. Polished wood and brass fittings nod to the luxury yachts synonymous with the Floating City, whilst a large striking mural – painted in situ by LA based artist, Jessalyn Brooks - takes centre stage in the main dining area.
A private dining room that seats up to 18 appeals to glamorous dinner parties, elegant lunches and important meetings. With dramatic mirrored walls, grand sparkling chandeliers and a fantastic collection of contemporary art, this room is destined to be in high demand with guests looking for style and exclusivity, feel the San Carlo Group.
COSTIERA Gin from Sorrento
Our producer of Limoncello, with our assistance, has created a 43% gin with a hint of Lemon.
This product is 100% made in Italy and uses only PGI Lemons of Sorrento. It is a must have for any Italian restaurant and for lovers of Italian food and drinks.
Distributors
Marco Alimentari – info@marcoalimentari.co.uk – 020 8684 9100 A Di Maria – tony@adimaria.co.uk – 02476 680 514 G & O – 0161 432 8070 – orders@gandofoods.it L’antica Bottega – 01483 561 808 - offi ce@lanticabottega.co.uk A1 foods – a_rocco@btconnect.com - 01234 217 733 TFC wholesale – info@benoli.co.uk – 0191 460 1522 Casa di vini – casadivini@gmail.com - 01202 693 291 Cioffi - info@cioffi importers.com – 01227 452 846
