ITALY - UK PARTNERS

PARTNERSHIP | Spring 2020 16 Enoteca Turi The finest Italian wines and regional cuisine in Belgravia E noteca Turi celebrated its 4th anniversary in February 2020 but boasts 30 years of experience as it first opened its doors in Putney Bridge before moving to Belgravia in 2016. Located in Pimlico Road, a street known for high-end design and antique shops, Enoteca Turi is in line with the surrounding boutiques: elegant and discreet. BEHIND THE MENU During our visit, we had the pleasure of speaking with the owner of the restaurant, the manager and the head sommelier. They explained to us that Giuseppe Turi and his wife Pamela opened the restaurant thinking of a refined place whose sophisticated dishes could stand out. Ingredients are carefully selected and belong to the tradition of different Italian regions, granting a varied choice of dishes that change seasonally, representing the Belpaese entirely. Mr. Turi added that he gets inspired by ingredients he tastes and discovers in Italy during his trips. For instance, he developed business relationships with a small Italian producer of olive oil who provides them with other niche ingredients as well. For these reasons, the restaurant was awarded with Marchio Ospitalità Italiana, the certification given to those restaurants that ensure typical Italian hospitality abroad whilst promoting the traditions of Italian food products. “Enoteca”, wine shop, indicates the important wine cellar of the restaurant, with more than 450 labels. Do not get scared by the endless wine list though: guests are looked after by Mr. Turi, an experienced sommelier holding the WSET diploma, and the sommelier of the restaurant, who can assist them making the best choices for a delightful meal. Furthermore, in order to facilitate customers with the wine choice, each plate on the menu is followed by a number that refers to the suggested wine for the pairing. Such a helpful idea for those who are not wine experts but still want to learn from the hosts’ experience. ELEGANCE AND DELICACY These two words come to mind describing both the restaurant and the dishes we were presented. The ambience is elegant without making the guests feel uncomfortable, the staff are not intrusive yet available for recommendations and explanations. Our plates were beautifully presented and delicate, intriguing. I never thought that broad bean puree with turnip tops could be this appealing, and I hoped my agnolotti with braised veal and Brussel sprouts would be endless - I got captured by the brasato sauce, one of my favourites. The dessert menu is also outstanding and accompanied by suggestions for dessert wines as well. We tried the almond frangipane tart with caramelised poached pear and a mouth-watering croccantino . The menu offers six options for pasta and risotto (most of the pasta is home-made) and six for “secondi piatti” (with choices ranging from duck to rabbit, from monkfish to turbot) – assurance of a menu refined to the smallest details and with the highest care. I discovered Enoteca Turi thanks to a friend’s recommendation, and I can only be grateful for this word-of-mouth suggestion! · Enoteca Turi 87 Pimlico Road London, SW1W 8PH www.enotecaturi.co Photography courtesy of Enoteca Turi