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On a sultry June evening I met my friend Liz on fashionable Little Clarendon Street for an early evening meal at Strada. As we approached the restaurant we were pleased to see that the front of the restaurant, usually all windows, had been opened up to create an al fresco dining experience. The combination of the fresh air and cooling air conditioning did wonders for our moods as wesettled down to peruse the menu.
Strada is an award-winning chain with locations all over the UK, but it certainly doesn't feel cookie-cutter. The interior of the Oxford location is contemporary but comfortable with touches of dark wood and leather, modern looking lights and open floor plan. Ilias, the friendly Manager, makes one feel welcome and is attentive without being intrusive - the perfect combination.
The wine list is extensive, but as it was a warm evening, Liz and I went for the house white, a refreshing and drinkable wine with a hint of citrus. We also asked for tap water, and were presented with a complimentary bottle, always a plus - and the staff were so observant we didn't have to ask for a refill.
To start we had a 'Cesto di Pane Misto', which included ciabatta, grissini (Liz's choice), walnut bread, tomato foccacia (my favourite) and Sardinian crisp bread. We also had a plate of green Castelvetrano olives which were flavourful and light. There is a wide selection of 'Contorni' and 'Antipasti' to suit every taste.
While neither of us were in the mood for anything too heavy, it was hard to choose as each main dish on the menu seemed so appealing. Liz opted for the 'Pollo alla Milanese', a pan fried chicken breast in grana padano and lemon zest breadcrumbs, accompanied by roasted new potatoes, onions and green beans and a cherry tomato and basil sauce. She said the chicken was lovely and moist - a nice compliment to the tomato sauce, which she found herself eating on its own, it was that good! It must have been good, as I didn't even get a bite to try!
I can't complain too hard, though, as I didn't offer up any of my dish, either! I chose the 'Rigatoni Speck', rigatoni pasta with gorgonzola, grana padano and cream sauce, finished with northern Italian smoked mountain ham and rocket. It may seem an odd choice, a creamy dish in the summer - but rest assured, the sauce was incredibly light and fragrant, not heavy in any way. The ham was gorgeous as well, delicate and not too salty.
For dessert we decided to split a beautiful tower of warm chocolate pudding topped with vanilla ice cream and dusted with chocolate. It was rich and satisfyingly cool, an ideal ending to the meal.
Strada certainly keeps their promise to serve up authentic, fresh Italian food in stylish surroundings - and for all that it is very affordable, particularly with a fixed price lunch menu. For a cool al fresco lunch or dinner, or in the winter for a warming plate of risotto, Strada is certainly a wonderful destination. Both Liz and I strongly recommend a visit.
Reviewed by Kimberly Manning and Elizabeth Gallagher |
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