I DID IT.
Today, I lived out my foodie dream. I met the Chef who inspired my love for travel-inspired cuisine and I actually had the chance to eat his creations in his Michelin Star restaurant!
Giorgio Locatelli is a world-renown Italian chef, who’s been bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Londoners for more than two decades. He started his career when he was only 5 years old, helping out in his uncle’s Michelin Starred restaurant in Northern Italy, before working in fine dining restaurants in France, Switzerland, and eventually London.
I first discovered him through his TV shows Sicily Unpacked and Italy Unpacked. In them, Giorgio Locatelli and art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon journey around the country, exploring local culture and cuisine. I was hooked from the very first episode and even went on to buy Chef Locatelli’s cookbooks, Made in Italy: Food & Stories and Made in Sicily.
My family swears that these are the Bibles of Italian cooking. Every recipe turns out perfectly and everything is exquisite. His bolognese and risotto recipes have been our go-tos for years. There’s no comparison!
When I found out that I was to visit London, I knew that I had to visit his restaurant Locanda Locatelli. Chef Locatelli opened this restaurant with his wife, Plaxy, in 2002. A year later, they were already awarded a Michelin Star — and have kept it every year since.
Unpretentious and welcoming, Locanda specializes in the philosophy of La Convivialità, the way Italians feel about food. In their words:
For us the sign of welcome is to feed people. At the heart of all cooking, whether you are rich or poor, is the spirit of conviviality, the pleasure that comes from sharing a meal with others. And there is no enjoyment of food without quality.
Located in London’s trendy West End, this restaurant displays a warm atmosphere and exceptional Italian food. I went in with high expectations; Locanda Locatelli more than surpassed them.
First, I was seated at a comfortable table with a view of the whole restaurant. Even though I was dining alone, I didn’t feel lonely or bored as I was able to observe the happenings around me. I was offered choice of water, which included San Benedetto — a favourite brand of mine.
The most fantastic bread basket was brought over. Varieties of buns, all sorts of focaccia, sliced ciabatta and sourdough, as well as crunchy breadsticks. I was in carb heaven. I ate one of each, dipped in fine Italian olive oil.
For my beverage, requested something that could be paired with my meal. I was presented a glass of the best Prosecco I ever had. The bottle was opened just for me and I was poured a taste before the glass was filled. It was dry, crisp, and refreshing.
For my Antipasti, I chose the Insalata di calamari alla griglia — char grilled squid, rocket, garlic, and chilli. This was hands down THE BEST squid I EVER had. It quite literally melted in my mouth. I actually teared up because it was so good. The flavours were so summery. I wish I could eat this every day.
In Italian cuisine the antipasti is followed by primi (pastas), secondi (generally meats or fish), contorni (vegetables, salads), formaggi (cheeses), and then dolci (desserts). That is a little too much food for me, particularly on a sweltering August day (and after I devoured a good chunk of that bread basket), so I decided to only have three courses.
This restaurant gives the option of upgrading pasta dishes into main courses, so that is what I did. I ordered the Cappellacci ripieni di creme, ragù di maiale e peperoncino, which were homemade parcels filled with lemon cream, pork ragù, and chilli. It was garnished with crisped sage. This dish was surprisingly refreshing — I’m used to pasta dishes being heavy, but the citrus really brightened the richness of the ragù and cream. I thought the combination was inventive and I would definitely order this again.
I saw the most interesting thing while waiting for dessert. A real life chariot de fromages, or cheese cart! I had only ever seen them on TV, so this was a delight to behold. Instead of bringing plates of pre-selected cheeses, serving staff wheel over a selection of (in this case) Italian cheeses for patrons to choose from. My biggest regret is being too full to order from it!
For dolci, or dessert, I indulged in a Torta del giorno — tart of the day. Today’s was a decadent chocolate and apricot tart, topped with homemade chocolate gelato and a decorative but flavourful apricot gel. Apricot is one of my favourite fruits and I always have room for gelato, so even though I was actually full to the brim, I had to order this. I do not regret my decision. It was wonderful, especially with the espresso I ordered alongside it.
Like other fine dining establishments, the meal didn’t actually end with dessert. I was lavishly served a few different mignardises, including homemade Italian jelly candies, Amaretti di Saronno (almond macaroons), and chocolate truffles. Sublime.
Throughout the meal, the service was impeccable. My server was incredibly attentive and made sure that I was well looked after. I thought the meal was flawlessly paced and his attention to detail was impressive. It was thanks to him that I was able to experience the best part of the visit: meeting Chef himself!
While chatting with the server, I mentioned that I was a big fan of Chef’s show and cookbooks. He offered to ask if Chef Locatelli could spare a few moments to meet with me.
I have to admit that I was amazed when he — a famous, world-renowned chef — took time out of a busy lunch service to meet me! Chef Locatelli was so humble and friendly. I gushed about how much I love his show and books. I also told him about how my Mum does too and hopes to visit someday. He asked for a copy of the menu and signed it for her. This made an already perfect visit even more special!
Overall, my visit to Locanda Locatelli was even better than I had imagined it would be. The food was phenomenal, the service was exceptional, and the privilege of meeting Chef Giorgio Locatelli — one of my culinary idols — was an absolute highlight of my trip! Highly recommend this restaurant to everyone. Grazie mille!
Update (Dec/16 + Jan/20): My Mum was so excited about the signed menu that she had it framed! It is now hanging in the kitchen! As a Christmas gift, I had an art print made of the above photo with Chef. It has also been framed and is now hanging beside the menu 🙂
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