Some Italian meals are memorable for one standout dish. Here at Sudi, the difficulty was deciding which one deserved the title.
The meal began with the tris frisella, three rustic Italian bread rings topped with seafood and stracciatella, Parma ham and grilled peaches, and classic tomatoes. Each had its own character, from fresh and creamy to salty and sweet, making it a generous introduction to what was to come.
(Image: NQ)
Alongside it was the panelle e tapenade, chickpea flour fritters served with olive tapenade. Crisp on the outside and soft within, the fritters were light but packed with flavour, with the tapenade adding a welcome savoury punch.
(Image: NQ)
The paccheri fritti was perhaps the biggest surprise. Filled with aubergine and ricotta before being fried, it looked nothing like the aubergine dish I had expected. Golden and crisp on the outside, the aubergine was almost unrecognisable at first glance. Inside, however, was a soft and creamy filling. It was unusual, clever and easily one of the most distinctive plates of the meal.
Then came the tagliata di manzo, and everything else had serious competition.
(Image: NQ)
The sirloin steak, ordered medium rare, was exceptional. Tender, juicy and beautifully cooked, it was quite simply the best steak I have eaten. Served with rocket, salad, gremolada sauce and roast potatoes, it did not rely on elaborate presentation. The quality of the meat was enough.
Finally, the tiramisu provided exactly the ending the meal deserved. Creamy, rich and balanced by the bitterness of coffee, it avoided becoming overly sweet or heavy.
It was, without question, one of the best tiramisus I have tried.
From an unexpectedly inventive aubergine dish to an outstanding steak, this was Italian food that delivered surprise as well as comfort. The only problem was finding room for the final spoonful.
