Piccolo Amore: Our First Experience

Nothing Small about the Love in this place xxx

There are some advantages to frequenting a pub on a regular basis in that anything new is discussed and passed on.  The latest item for conversation was about what on earth had happened to some of the regulars deputy regular pub, the Six Bells.  We all know it has been under construction for a long while now.  Yes folks it is an Italian.  Prezzo is safe as it is more of a trendy England/Italian bread sticks kind of place, but the other more rustic restaurant on Sheep Street may well have some real competition now.  

An Italian? I must investigate as soon as humanly possible - which was four hours after discovering they were open.  I love Italy.  The food is amazing, the places I have visited have all been beautiful.  The trick is to go through the pretty back streets and take your pick.  A bit like this restaurant!

On entering, it's lovely.  Ambiance is so important.  Its decor is simple but effective and reminded me of certain eatery's in Sicily - checked table cloths on tables that were well spaced out (no one likes having to share a private conversation with someone you are sat on at the next table), heart shaped bread and wine. The music set the mood instantly, everyone loves a bit of opera mixed with the one and only Italian pop legend that is Eros Ramazzoti - I love a bit o' Eros! All this with the quiet conversation between the staff in Italiano, really made us feel we weren't slap bang in the middle of Bicester in the rain.  

It was only day two of opening for the staff but they knew what they were doing.  Unlike a typical chain restaurant we didn't feel like we were on the treadmill.  This wasn't due to being quiet as there were other diners, it was just another kind of authenticity - the chilled out way!  

We were served complimentary bruschetta with our drinks of which the giant serving of house red was most palatable.  

We skipped the antipasto (but had a good nosey at other peoples choices as you do) and headed straight for the main.  Alex opted for Tonno alla Messinese,  I have to say that it was cooked to perfection, better than a recently extinct grill that we all willed to stay open.  The salad was lovely too.  

I opted for a dish I could directly compare with the other place (and my number one Italian which I shall review next week up North).  The dish, called Farfella al Salmone.  Bow shaped pasta with a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce and small flakes of salmon.  The pasta was cooked perfectly - not soggy where it sticks to the roof of your mouth and not so al dente that Grey Town starts flashing pound signs.  

I know now on my next visit I will be sampling the swordfish dish or the Lobster Pasta. A very lovely, simple meal with no need to ask for black pepper or Parmesan because they were already on it.  

The coffee is good, Alex's dessert of Cannoli (see the picture) and the limoncello rounded off a good first visit.  One downside - no garlic bread anywhere to be seen - please get rid of the chips side and give me some garlic bread even though it's not a staple and true vegetarians would struggle at the moment.  

All in all, great! Very competitive prices, the advantage of being licensed is sure to appeal to all those in search of a non-pretentious break away from the mainstream ... and ... they throw an Italian lesson in for free.  I now know how to pronounce the things I chose to eat! Thanks guys or Grazie che era bello!! (roughly)!!

Book now: 01869 389069 xxx

Long-Awaited Cabbages and Condoms Review

I love Thailand and have visited many places over there.  When not taking full advantage of the luxuries of Bangkok, I was trekking around Chiang Mai, Chang Rai and reaching the borders of Laos and Myanmar (Burma to those of the old school).  A personal favourite was the island of Koh Samui where my brother tied the knot on an idyllic beach setting.  I love the kind and chilled out people, the food and the magic of the Buddhist Temples.  My memories are fond; what a shame they are at war right now.  

Back to Cabbages and Condoms.  My Mum was at a global conference in Bangkok and invited me to attend.  One night I was told to dress smartly as we were going to a top notch restaurant in the city.  It was Cabbages and Condoms.  It was a vast restaurant, at least three times the capacity of the one here.  The walls were frangipani trees and the food was exceptional.  Here I learned of how rude it is to eat off a fork - I wish people would play the game on this one.  This restaurant's quirky condom theme is actually part of a massive campaign started in the 1970's to raise awareness about safe sex.  I have to say that receiving a condom rather than an after dinner mint seemed hilarious at the time.

I had been aware that Trinity in Bicester has been owned by the Thai company for a number of years.  I was delighted when I realised that it had become a real Cabbages and Condoms - their deliberate "slow launch" meant it took me a while.  I really don't think people in Bicester actually realise what has fallen onto their doorsteps and the fact that they are working with the NHS to continue their plight to raise awareness with regard to safe sex.

All that aside, the valentine night experience didn't disappoint.  What I love about the place is the authentic food and regular staff ... these guys rock!

Jeep ... she is such a sweetie ... so lovely!

Sonny - please quit drowning me in Thai Rum - it is vicious!

These were the guys who made my hen do so special and who continue to welcome us every time.  This time it was cocktails... 

Black Russian

Evil Red Fuel

Vodka Martini ... I've been watching too much Gossip Girl!

As for the beer (a must with a thai meal) Alex chooses Singha and I choose Chiang.  After our mixed starter which consists of giant tempura prawns, chicken satay skewers, spring rolls, the most succulent of prawn toasts ever (has actual prawns in it) and vegetable parcels, we both opted to try something new.  Of late, I have been opting for seafood (with the biggest mussels I have ever seen) in tamarind sauce with coconut rice where Alex has been taken by the Pangasius (asian cat fish) with sweet chilli sauce - also a favourite with Helen.  This time we had these (notice the lovely touch with the rice - their attention to detail is excellent!) :

Prawn Panang Curry (not spicy at all) 

Nice touch 

Red Curry with Duck (not too spicy)

To finish I got twatted with the evil, black market thai rum whilst Alex indulged in a fried ice cream - flavours to choose from included thai green tea.  

eeek!

Presentation is excellent!

I can't impress on anyone enough just how lucky we are to have this restaurant here.  Expand your minds and travel to Bangkok without leaving Bicester, Authentic background music - for example going to an italian playing chart music bugs me -  truly awesome food and lovely staff make for a great all round dining experience.