Situated close to Sutton, Carshalton Beeches is a very beautiful but sometimes overlooked part of London commuter belt. I had passed it on the train, but up until recently never had the opportunity to visit. It was on a recent trip while meeting a friend, the chance arose for lunch there.
Close to the station, probably only a few minutes walk on foot, Vinoteca Italiana sits just back from the road. Flowers and plants outside draw your attention. Walking into the restaurant, a feeling of rustic Italy is soon reinforced by its lovely staff. Menu is detailed, authentic and has so many great dishes that choosing one takes some consideration. Soon lovely fresh bread and olives arrive, my choice was made, Papparelle Alla Spoletina. Arriving in a deep plate bowl, flat ribbon egg pasta in a meat sauce subtly complemented by lamb ragout. A light dusting of finely chopped mint made its simple presentation eye-catching. Pasta was cooked so perfectly, it still retained a delicate softness. Meat sauce so deep in flavour, and with beautiful richness complemented by tender finely cut lamb. So simple and perfectly balanced with mint just ‘cutting’ the lambs flavour.
Dessert, well I was undecided for quite a long time, that was until the waiter promised me that the Tiramisú at Vinoteca would be the one to try. Arriving in a deep handled glass, Savoiardi lady fingers soaked in Amaretto – coffee, with layers of mascarpone cream. I always find deserts that contain coffee as an ingredient overpowering, this was however balanced to perfection. The inclusion of Amaretto added the most delicate hint of alcohol accented with a delightful almond marzipan fragrance.
Balance in dishes, is for me one of the hardest things to get right. On many occasions when I eat out a good starter, main or dessert is so close to being a great dish, only for the balance of flavour to let it down at the last moment. Vinoteca Italiana has balanced perfected. When I started christopherlancaster.net, It was my intention to feature all types of food, and restaurants that have made a big impression on me. I get the most satisfaction from finding eatery’s that are off most people’s radar, that serve beautiful food while remaining affordable and accessable to everyone. Vinoteca Italiana ticks all of these boxes and is undoubtably one of my finds of 2017.
For more information please visit www.vinoteca-italiana.co.uk
2 courses expect to pay around £21.00 per person without drinks
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