The taste of Italy... with no lasagne or pizza on the menu

RESTAURANT AIMS TO BROADEN DINERS’ HORIZONS

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS [e-mail]

‘LITTLE ears’ is the translation of orecchiette, one of the types of pasta on the menu at a cosy new restaurant.

Taste Italian has set out to bring something different to Nottingham.

There will never be argument over whether pineapple belongs on pizza as the Italian staple isn’t served there. Not only is it impractical in the small kitchen, but as owner James Carson said: “We are all creatures of habit so we'll look up and down a menu and choose pizza. You don’t try any of the other dishes”

For that reason, he and chef Roberto De Luca have also avoided putting lasagne on the menu as well - at least for now - to introduce diners to different dishes.

James said: “It’s very common in Italy to cook regionally - my father’s side of the family is from Puglia and the chef is from Sicily. We want to marry the two together and bring different flavours.

“It’s not something you'll see everywhere and this is what we want to show people. I'm not saying we won't have lasagne on the menu, but at the moment we want to introduce you to another side of Italy.”

With just 22 seats inside and four al fresco, the intimate restaurant in Carrington, has a menu of freshly cooked starters and main courses.

Some are chosen by Roberto, others are inspired by the recipes of James’ grandmother, who lived in Puglia, a region on the heel of Italy's boot.

Brasciola con orecchiette is one of those authentic dishes from Nonna’s repertoire. Thinly sliced braising steak is rolled with a filling of parsley, garlic, Parmesan and bay leaf into a sausage shape, and served with the little ears pasta in a tomato and basil sauce.