EAT THIS, DRINK THIS, WEAR THIS: MAKE MY ITALIAN SIMPLE, BUT SIGNIFICANT.
EAT THIS:
Italian should be old school. In fact the one thing I have almost no patience for in the world of food and wine is an ill placed gimmick amongst the heavenly unctuous tradition of Italian cookery. Trying too hard is distinctly un-Italian, which is why C. London is a must visit Italian luxury experience. The pleasure of the Mayfair establishment is the nonchalance of which you get to experience in a wildly old school serving of Italian mastery.
White jacket service underpins the pride in the sauces that have been nurtured for generations, and distilled into hours of craft, every day of the week. It is absolutely vital that you understand that you’re going to get simple, paired back, honest Italian and that pride can be held in the creation of the simplest of things. What you believe that is worth has already been decided for you, and the overflowing dining room of glitterati back its value week in week out. For a lesson in the simplicity of style you would find yourself in many worse dining rooms across London.
The negatives are few, but a sharp sting comes in the form of stemless glasses which while fine in construction, feel unnecessarily informal in the context of such a celebration of simplicity. I’m not going to challenge the idea of Italian food, but don’t try challenge the elevation of my wine glass above the crisp white table cloth.
A pedestal for my Gaja is necessary.
Order this for two:
Burrata with Datterini tomatoes & olives
Tagliardi with Veal Ragu`
Veal Ossobuco with Risotto alla Milanese
Vanilla Ice Cream alla Minute
The intimate and inimitable Library Bar at The Lanesborough
DRINK THIS.
As a precursor to such a simple but luxurious affair, a more decidedly decadent but intentionally old school destination for drinks is required. The Library Bar at the Lanesborough is an instant transportation to a fireside bolthole which makes you regret the destination of every previous classic cocktail you may have imbibed. This is a serious date venue, where intimacy is supercharged by enveloping chairs, wood panelled walls and attentive service which is as discreet as it is on point. If Miss English wasn’t so distractingly stunning, I would have studied the interior to a higher standard than my philosophy degree.
The bar has an insane collection from my personal favourite distillery; The Balvenie. Rather than saving the whisky for a digestif, I suggest you chose their riff on a Rob Roy where they employ my favourite whisky from The Balvenie - 14 year old Caribbean Cask, lifted with the insanely elegant Lilet Blanc.
Half a dozen oysters should be washed down with their Gin Premier Cru martini. You are placing your fate in the hands of Bacchus himself beyond this generous cocktail.
Order this:
Gin Premier Cru
Half a Dozen Oysters
Gaspari Manhattan
With dinner, Gaja Promis 2019
WEAR THIS.
Old school is as old school does, and so should you. This is full suit territory, but make it *elegant*. I opted for a tobacco cotton linen suit with a white cotton spread collar shirt. A scarf in place of a tie allowed for the presentation of an excessively relaxed amount of chest. Accessorise wildly with cuffs and bracelets to let everyone know this isn’t business. For those of us blessed with adverse eyesight, your boldest frames are a must. Transport yourself to Roma for the evening and dress like you meant to be there.
Your fragrance for the evening is Diptyque, Eau Rihla.
Shop the evening here:
