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Giovanni Rana is an esteemed Italian chef, whose brand of pasta is sold internationally, and can be found across many of the UK?s leading supermarkets (if we pointed it out to you, with its small Italian flag on the packaging,we?re sure you?d recognise it). In addition to Rani?s leading and well-respected brand, he has recently opened his very own restaurant based in London. And this weekend, we were lucky enough to take a trip down to Giovanni Rana for lunch, and sample some of the Italian delights on offer.
The restaurant opened twelve months ago in Regents Place, an area that sees huge business footfall from around fifty thousand people who work in the surrounding area.
?For this reason, we become extremely busy during office hours, especially for working lunches?, management team member Elena told us after we?d finished our meal. ?However, the restaurant is also popular during the evenings ? after work and on weekends ? we cater to a range of people?. And we could instantly see why.
With over two hundred covers, you?d think Giovanni Rana might seem cramped, but it is the complete opposite. The space is opulent, with large windows letting in natural light, beautiful furnishings and an authenticity that ran throughout.
The kitchen is open and a part of the restaurant itself ? meaning that diners can watch their food being cooked completely fresh whilst waiting to be served. In a separate area behind the bar (seen above), you can see other meal elements being prepared; the restaurant is also working on bringing in machinery to make pasta on site. Additionally, we found that from start to finish, the staff were absolutely fantastic. We learned that all of those working in the restaurant are Italian themselves, and those who we met and spoke to demonstrated a clear passion for food and what they do, which was both refreshing and a surprise.
Interior, innovation and the team members aside, the food itself at Giovanni Rana?s was totally, completely and deliciously spectacular.
To start with, the pair of us opted for the tavola, described as ?ideal for two?. This wooden platter was made up of cured meats and Italian cheeses, served with their own seasonal chutney and fresh artisan bread. This was a perfect starting dish, filled with textures and flavours, and was deceptively filling. We?d recommend it, particularly with a splash of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
One thing that was so great about the restaurant was their attentiveness. When we arrived we weren?t pushed to order our drinks, after ordering these we took our time browsing the starters? list, and we didn?t even look at the mains until after finishing this board. And, Rana himself being the master of it, we couldn?t not opt for a pasta dish ? from the Pasta Fresca (?Fresh Pasta?) menu.
The first of the two was the orecchiettine pugliesi, small ?ears? of pasta with Italian sausages, pancetta and chilli and broccoli. The flavours complimented one another well,with the chilli being a perfect addition, and not overpowering whatsoever. It was a great dish as not only could you taste the beautiful fresh sample, but also sample the different ways the restaurant cooks its meats.
The second of our two main dishes was the pappardelle al ragu d?anatra ? large ribbon pasta with a duck ragu. Simple ingredients with a great depth of flavour ? this has to be one of the best pasta dishes I?ve eaten since I can remember. The ragu had been cooked to perfection and was at melt-in-the-mouth standard, and was an unusual and fantastic combination with the large, flavoursome fresh pasta Rana is known for. Both of us agreed that we would not usually opt for pasta dishes in a restaurant, but this has definitely made me reconsider?
By the time it was time to think about dessert ? we were absolutely full. However, it was essential we sampled what Giovanni Rana had on its dessert menu, you know, for professional purposes?
Whether this was true or not ? there was no denying the quality of the desserts we got a taste of. First, the caffe buongusto, an expresso coffee (or hot drink of your choice) accompanied by three mini dessert shots. These were beautifully presented, and made up of a blackcurrant panna cotta, fresh fruit sorbet and tiramisu.
Each of the three desserts was a testament to not just the chef?s pastiche but the heartiness of the fresh ingredients used throughout. Light, at times crisp, and extremely refreshing ? this would have been ideal for the pair of us to share (after battling through such generous portions that came as our starter and main courses), however we just couldn?t resist one last dish?
Perhaps the highlight of the meal for me personally, without a doubt, had to be the baked panettone al forno. For some reason, I have always had a bad idea of panettone. It?s one of those dishes I?ve never quite known what it is but just ?knew? I didn?t like it ? and if I hadn?t even tried it before (which may well be the case) then, without a doubt, I would never like it.
And, God, was I wrong.
Giovanni Rana?s dish is the Don of Desserts. A traditional baked cake from Milano, with delicious Stracciatella ice-cream and chocolate sauce lavishly laced across the dish. For panettone lovers ? this is an absolute must. For dessert lovers in general ? this is also an absolute must. The cake was comfort food at its best ? warm, filling, and yet did not feel heavy with each spoonful. The ice cream and chocolate sauce were extremely complimentary, if a little indulgent. And there?s nothing we like more on a Saturday afternoon than a little indulgence.
According to the staff at the restaurant, Giovanni is known as the ?grandfather of Italy? ? and with such hearty, filling recipes ? the food really did taste like home (wherever ?home? may be). ?This is a venue we would recommend for professionals, families, couples and large parties of friends, for quality food in a high-end setting, at very worthy prices.
Until then, our hats off to Giovanni: one of the coolest Grandads we?ve learned about in a while.
Category: Features, Food & Drink, London
Source: http://vivalifestyle.co.uk/100-pastastic-giovanni-rana-london/
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