Vicolo Café
346 Kent St
Sydney CBD
Vicolo Café has an old world charm about it. Inside the brickwork is distressed adding to the charm. There is a spacious bar and an open kitchen. They seat 60 - 70 and there is also some outside seating. We commenced our meal with a glass each of lovely red wine. Sir had the 2014 Fantini Montepulciano D'Abruzzo which was described as - strong wild berry aroma, full bodied with clean aftertaste. Mlady had the 2013 Sangiovese Di Romagna Superiore, described as - moderately structured with red fruit on the nose, soft flavour good intensity. We both enjoyed our wines which went very well with our meals.
Our first entrée was nduja e ricotta di bufala - spicy calabrian style salami served with buffalo ricotta & crostini. This really was a spicy dish which we loved. Nice flavours with a big kick! Thoroughly enjoyed this. Next we had the Burrata - creamy Italian cheese served with baby beetroot & toasted almonds. LOVE beetroot! This was colourful and the wonderful creamy Italian cheese went so well with the coolness of the beetroot and with the crunchiness of the toasted almonds - we really loved this.
From the "Specials" we tried the Fichi, Prosciutto e Gorgonzola (Roast figs with gorgonzola cheese wrapped in prosciutto). A very pretty presentation. Gorgonzola is a strong cheese and if you love strong cheeses - you will simply love this. The figs were a lovely accompaniment and combined with the very tasty prosciutto - made for an interesting textured dish with good flavours.
Also from the "Specials" we had the Orecchiette porcini salsiccia e timo (orecciette with porcini mushrooms, pork sausage and thyme). How good was this dish! Everything went so well together - flavours, textures. Thoroughly enjoyed this!
The other main we had (not from the "Specials") was spaghetti aglio lio e colatura di alici di cetara - spaghetti alla chitarra with garlic, chilli & breadcrumbs. The pasta was al dente and this dish had a nice garlic kick. The crunchiness of the breadcrumbs - with the pasta, combined well.
For dessert we shared a Tiramisu - layered with Savoiardi biscuits, coffee and mascarpone. This was nice, soft, fluffy with that great coffee flavour. A delicious dessert to finish a good meal. They even have a great pre-theatre menu - entree, main and a wine for only $40.
Sir and Mlady dined as guests of Vicolo Café. Special thanks to owners Tanja and Anthony for looking after us on the night. Thanks also to Jessy Marshall from Coote Connex for this invitation.