Rosemary and I had a special meal out at Carluccios’s in Bicester Village.  This is a chain of restaurants with the name of celebrity chef Antonio.

The meal was a themed Italian meal with selected wines.  We started off with a glass of Prosecco and some excellent Canapes.  The deep fried spinage was excellent.

The menu was.

Gamberi e Bianco
A Salad of prawns on marinated fennel

Accompanied by
La Segreta Bianco
Fresh and rich with a long slow finish.  Made from a blend of Grecanico, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon and Fiano grapes.  Tropical fruit flavours, with a lingering dry finish.

Risotto al Vino Rosso
Creamy red wine risotto

Filetto di Bue alla Griglia
Fillet steak served with sauteed mushrooms and garlic and roasted Rosemary potatoes

Accompanied by
Capello di Prete
A rich red balanced red with mellow flavours of cocoa and cherries.  Made from 100% Negroamaro grapes.

Crema di Noce con Cioccolata
A delicious hazelnut panna cotta served with a chocolate sauce

Accompanied by
Aleatico di Puglia
An incredible red dessert wine, produced from Aglianico grapes.  Medium sweet with spice and cherry flavours.

After the meal had an espresso and some grappa.  Meal was good, especially liked the marinaded fennel.  Marinaded in lemon juice and zest.  Steak ordered rare and was served rare, excellent.