Date Night : Campania Gastronomia
OK - so this has to be my favorite restaurant in London - for a while I just wanted to keep it for myself. But we went again last Friday for our weekly date night, and my tastebuds were seriously shaken, I just couldn't keep the secret anymore!
I discovered it a little while ago one Sunday morning after braving the crowds at the flower market on Columbia Road. I was with my mum at the time, and we just fell in love with this place. Two weeks later I just had to bring the girls there, and we've made it almost a monthly occurence since then. This place is the best damn Italian I've had in London, hands down.
My favourite thing about it, is how simple and rustic it is. No messing around with fancy set ups, you're here to eat well and have a great time. They have a little room at the back with a wood burning stove - ideal on a rainy day or cold winter's night. If I had an Italian grandmother, this is how I imagine going to her house for a feast would be like.
You have to have the 'gnudi' to start with, it is out of this world. A cheesy little cloud that melts in your mouth - if I could order a bucket of these, I would. We also shared the delicious burrata, settled in and started catching up with each other's week. At the moment days are flying by so fast, it's so important to just sit still for a moment and listen.
I had the asparagus and ricotta tortellini, and I licked my plate clean.
Michael had the spek and roasted tomatoes gnocchi (I think it was gnocchi..!) He swore this was better than his usual 'Ragu pappardelle' which is saying something..! (the pappardelle is a must.. trust me!)
Another rule here - you just have to end the meal with Tiramisu, that's just how it is! One heavenly creamy cloud with a kick. It was one of those perfect evenings, we left just before sunset and walked home with happy bellies and ready to ease into the weekend.
We have very similar plans tonight, and I cannot wait! Happy Friday to you! What are you up to this weekend?
Campania Gastronomia - 23 Ezra St, London E2 7RH