A few weeks ago I met up with a couple of friends for dinner, I wasn't planning on blogging it at all, I don't always like to subject my friends to my food blogger ways, but actually, it was the first time I'd visited Gusto, an 'upmarket' Italian chain catering to the rather upmarket clientele of Four Oaks so I thought I would share my thoughts.
I wasn't really expecting to like it. I'm not the biggest fan of Italian food, especially pizza or pasta (I know, shoot me!) But actually, the food was pretty good!
The menu was huge, which was a little off putting, especially when you're a group of three girls who like to chat, and often chat more than looking at the menu! So after excluding pizza and pasta, making my job a little easier, we deliberated over some of their signature 'dough petals ' and eventually made our minds up. I was interested to see that their specials menu was themed 'Sicilian', so dishes inspired by a particular italian region which was a nice touch and I'd be interested to see more of these regional inspirations in future if its something they carry on.
I decided on the KING PRAWNS, pan fried, with pickled fennel, tomato, caper and chilli oil, drawn in by the interesting accompaniments, and was delighted with my choice. The prawns were really well cooked and the tang and crunch of the fennel and capers was perfectly complimented by the sweet tomato and hot chilli heat. My friends tried the SICILIAN ARANCINI RICE BALLS and the HOMEMADE CHICKEN LIVER PÂTÉ both of which went down very well
Mains were equally lovely. My FLATTENED RUMP STEAK with garlic, chilli, rocket and Gran Moravia was a touch on the pricey side given it came with no carbs or veg but was cooked lovely a pink. My companions ate and enjoyed the PAN ROAST RUMP OF LAMB with crispy polenta, pea puree, and red wine jus and the Chicken with creamed leeks, tomato and caper dressing, with fried gnocchi. Clean plates all round!
