Remember when London used to be notorious for high priced restaurants with below average menus? That’s all changed.
A little over a decade ago it seemed that London was the last place on the planet where a person could find a decent ITALIAN meal. Correction, something that resembled a decent Italian meal. Sure, there were the steak places with an odd lasagna and cafe’s here and there with some cheese and olive covered bread. Italian cuisine was far below the mark of excellence (semi-disaster). This fact has obviously all changed drastically and when one thinks of where to have a tasteful Italian dinner, Sette often comes to mind as one the best choices for those who are “in the know.”
Nestled on Sydney Street just off of Fulham Road, Sette is charming and feels like a home away from home. Interesting facts about Sette (provided by Sette’s internal marketing):
[highlight_1]”Sette takes its name from the Italian for ‘seven’ in reference to the day in September 1996 when the champion jockey Frankie Dettori MBE won all seven races at Ascot. Wall Street, Diffident, Mark of Esteem, Decorated Hero, Fatefully, Lochangel and Fujiyama Crest as well as Dettori himself all went down in the history of racing for this mighty achievement and it will forever be remembered by bookies for the vast sums they had to pay out. It was also memorable day for Darren Yates, a plumber from Morecambe in Lancashire, who won £550,000 on an accumulator bet of £67.58.”[/highlight_1]
Furthermore (provided by Sette’s internal marketing):
[highlight_1]”Italian to the core, the restaurant is owned by Frankie Dettori M.B.E., Peter Burrell and Marco Pierre White, who have collaborated for the past eight years on the successful chain, Frankie’s Bar and Grill (Frankie & Marco on this venture), that has been so successful throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Middle East. Between them, they bring the true flavour of Italy backed up by the best chefs operating under Marco’s experienced eye with menus developed by both of them but primarily driven by their own upbringing and hereditary influences. The team are led by Roberto Marziota as manager.”[/highlight_1]
The lovely Hannah Wick of Harvey Nichols
To fully enjoy the hybrid family-cool ambiance, a Saturday brunch would be a nice way to ease into an afternoon surrounded by friends and a bottle (or two) of their Barbera Gisep Massolino 2009. Don’t be surprised if Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts, Steven Berkoff or another half a dozen notables are in the corner quietly eating away at the Branzino alla griglia or Milanese di vitello con rucola e pomodorini (we don’t have confirmation of any their dietery preferences, but a little imagination is allowed I think). The short end of the summary for your meal – “you can’t go wrong with this menu.” GO WITH THE DUCK FUSILLI
As mentioned, two of Sette’s owners- Frankie Dettori M.B.E. and Marco Pierre White, have been collaborating for the past eight years on Frankie’s Bar and Grill (a very successful chain). Marco Pierre White is a very well known celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality, who has trained other chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Curtis Stone (to name drop). Yes, it sounds like they know what they are doing here in London and that confirmation is defined on the plates of their guests (make reservations in advance).
Fusilli al ragu d’anatra (Fusilli pasta with duck ragu)
Salmone, punte di broccoli, pepe rosa e menta (Salmon with sprouting broccoli, pink pepper and mint)
Fegato pancetta, burro e salvia (Calves liver and pancetta, butter and sage)
Agnello con melanzane gratinate (Rack of lamb with baked aubergine and black olive sauce)
Paccheri con calamaretti, pomodorini e broccoli (Paccheri with baby squid cherry tomato, broccoli and crispy garlic)
I think this one is self explanatory, dessert!
Our generous host Matthew Steeples (head of marketing for Sette and also publisher of The Steeple Times) spared no gastronomic pleasure for his guests. This is a mandatory repeat visit, make it happen.
