PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAAlthough sharing a bottle of Moet and Chandon by Bacci’s fireplace will fill you with a warm glow, this intimate restaurant is not merely designed for couples. The style of the dining room also lends itself to cosy catch-ups with friends and tasteful family gatherings. It is a perfect weekday spot for ladies who lunch or a place to talk business if your office is nearby. Unlike many other CBD eateries, your meal will not be spent trying to yell over the neighbouring table. Owner and chef, Daniel Anastasi, has created an ambience and menu that invites you to settle in for a while. Carpeted floors, linen dressed tables and ornate chandeliers make for a richer experience.
Anastasi has formed a menu that turns out a stylish set of dishes which highlights his unrelenting dedication to fine flavours and top produce. Start things off with the unique olive ripieni, a dish where minced meats are wrapped in green olives then crumbed and served with roasted capsicum. An entree of Coffin Bay oysters follows superbly, and are grilled and come served with a crab meat cream sauce and prosciutto. Pasta and meat selections prove equally satisfying. Tagliatelle pescatore weaves long egg pasta through sauteed mussels, squid, tiger prawns, chilli and garlic in a light tomato-based seafood broth. Gnocchi gorgonzola brings the potato dumplings and heavenly cheese to you in a walnut and rocket cream sauce while veal is topped with provolone cheese, prosciutto, sage and wilted baby spinach. Fresh red snapper fillets are crumbed and partnered with baby cos salad.
Roz Taylor, July 2008
