PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIASimon and Aviva Balzari steer their restaurant confidently through the stormy waters of Lygon Street restaurants, with chef Sara Simpson at the helm. She comes fresh from a stint at super-innovative Interlude; here her food has the assurance of Mediterranean flavours. The interior is predominantly white and black: tables set with white cloths and paper overlays, dark bentwood chairs, a bold red painting on one wall and a marble topped bar. The terrace tables are great in warmer weather, the street tables perfect for a drink and a snack, and the indoor tables suit all times and all weathers.
This is how you approach Balzari: on weekends, breakfast lasts until mid-afternoon. During the week come for lunch, or stop by in the mid-afternoon for a beer or glass of wine from the excellent list. Order the curly bread with olives, maybe followed by a bruschetta to accompany your drink. Hang around for another drink and nibble on some arancini if you get peckish (the little cheese-filled rice balls). And then it’s just about time for dinner. The menu has a small number of mains, but check the blackboard above the bar for daily specials. The wine list is well chosen: try something Italian or Spanish for a change.
Rita Erlich, September 2007
