Review: Avista Unconventional Italian
Italian food – but not the Italian food that you know; trust me! Based in a swanky Central London Mayfair hotel, and with the most friendliest staff ready at your service.
I love Italian food; authentic; westernised, anything with an Italian twist – I like! So initially I expected bruschetta, fusilli, pizza, etc. – but not with Avista’s menu. Roasted duck, truffle and potatoes, savoury pastries; ingredients that I would never categorise as Italian, were regular dishes on the menu.
It was a strange and friendly experience. Strange in the sense that I had no clue what these meals would look like when reading the slightly confusing menu. My guest and I ordered:
Sfoglia salata, patate affumicate, castagne, funghi selvatici e tartufo nero, which is Salty pastry, smoked potato, chestnut, wild mushroom and black truffle, and Petto d’anatra caramellato al miele, coscia confit, cipollini, porcini e Recioto which is Gressingham duck honey caramelized breast, confit leg, baby onions, ceps and Recioto.
The flavours were very well prepared and cooked, but in all honesty I enjoyed the aroma of restaurant, the served drinks, and general service much more than the food. Avista prides itself on its diverse menu which combines a variety of both rustic and contemporary Italian dishes. Rustic indeed!
I left feeling like I experienced something different, with wonderful staff. Visit this gorgeous-looking 5* dining hall if you feel like a Heston Blumenthal-styled type of dining experience!
Website: http://www.avistarestaurant.
Writer: Hannah Ajala
Twitter: @hannah_ajala
Blog: hannahajala.blogspot.com
