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Lucio Montanino has been the owner Chef of La Galleria in the lovely town of Woodstock for the past 16 years. The restaurant is situated right in the middle of the town and I and my daughter Debbie have just had one of the finest Italian meals we have ever eaten. Strictly the cuisine is Sardinian and the menu comprehensive with all the original, special dishes you would want to see.
We were shown to our window seat looking out onto the town and were immediately impressed with the cosy atmosphere in the busy restaurant where almost all the tables were taken. Fresh flowers, chrysanthemums and carnations, were on the table and a selection of breads were placed before us at once. We shared a bottle of San Benedetto natural still water and we both had a glass of Pinot Grigio, a full bodied white wine with a crisp and firm taste.
Debbie for her starter had the Avocado Cardinale which was Avocado, Smoked Salmon and Prawns, it was beautifully presented and whilst the prawns were dressed with Marie Rose Sauce, they were served in a red lettuce leaf akin to a shell and covered in Cayenne Pepper with the smoked salmon fanned out covering the plate. I went for the Delizia de Capri , which was fresh tomatoes, Buffalo Mozarello and Rocket of Basil. Again the presentation was exceptional and the mozzarella accompanied with cucumber and a leaf salad. We hardly spoke for the next few minutes as we were both engrossed in savouring the delicious tastes.
The service was excellent and our main courses were served at exactly the moment we were ready. This time Debbie had the Piccatina al Limon which was escalope of veal with white wine and lemon juice. She said the veal was succulent, tender, lemony and superb. For my main course I had the Scampi Provinciali allo zafferano. This was pan fried scampi in a garlic, tomato and cream sauce together with saffron rice. We had a selection of vegetables and I was amazed that we almost finished them all. The scampi was terrific and I have not tasted anything as good for a long time.
Not normally one for desserts I could not resist the fresh oranges in a caramel sauce and Debbie equally succumbed to the Tiramasou.
To be served food of this quality in an Oxfordshire town on a Tuesday night that compared more than favourably with the best Italian Restaurants in London was an unforgettable experience. The pricing of the courses and wine was very reasonable and I have no hesitation in recommending this fine restaurant.
Lucio and his team are doing a great job. Go and see him.
Reviewed by Debbie and Colin Rosser |
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