19th August 2007
Cosy quaint Italian nook warms Sydney-siders
It was late on a cold, windy Friday night in August and four Sydney gals were hungry (late thanks to Jetstar Avalon) and looking for some warm, soul food in Melbourne.
Thanks to Rochelle, Cass' office manager, we found Italy 1 down the George Parade side lane at about 9:30pm (next door to Jamie Oliver's 15 or 16 who knows the #? restaurant) and settled into the ambient window seat.
We were gently told (by let's call him 'Fred') we could only have 1 course due to our tardiness and the lateness of the booking. We ordered with gusto (could also be due to the nice Pinot we ordered) and the generously proportioned dishes arrived quickly.
Philippa had a nice spinach and black truffle paste risotto with lashing of grated parmesan cheese. Tamara and Cassandra both had a delish looking linguini marinara with lots of fresh, plump seafood. I had a fabulous duck (a whole confit leg was shredded into it), pancetta, spinach and porcini mushroom risotto. The pasta and risotto dishes were in the high AU$20's. Although nice and filling, we couldn't help ordering the Italy 1 mash aswell...
Here we almost came undone Sue, when we were noticed photographing the Chef's food. Nice 'Fred' came to enquire why and Tamara and I hastily extolled the virtues of trusted places.com!
After some wheedling and begging, I was able to order the Tiramisu dessert ($12) with our coffees. Yes, sadly the other girls whimped out and did not order dessert. Go hard or go home I say!
It was a family recipe kept secret by one of their apprentices, who was being made the very next day, and it was heaven! It came in its' own large white domed bowl with lashings of chocolate all over the top. Coffee, liquer and choc in one hit = what more could you ask for?
Great food, moderate prices, excellent produce, good wine list and professional, funny, good-humoured service made this dining experience a real winner and a great start to a girl's weekend away in Melbourne.
P.S. Unbeknownst to us, they also have an Italy 1 at Camberwell and a Bistro 1 at 126 Little Collins St.
www.italy1.com.au
www.bistro1.com.au
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