Hidden London: Polentina restaurant, Bow
Some dishes might be esoteric but we are all here to learn. They meander from Bari to Vienna, stopping in Florence, Bologna and the Dolomites along the way. There could be gnummareddi from Bari, a utilitarian mix of lamb's heart, liver and kidney served with pecorino and parsley. Or cappon magro, a layered seafood salad from Liguria. Pastasare the best representation of Italian food where the ingredients are allowed to shine; flavours are amplified and trumpeted into mouths. As for the Austrian side, expect the likes of grießnockerlsuppe, which is a semolina dumpling soup, and canederli,a dish from South Tyrol not dissimilar to semmelknödel from Bavaria.
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Evening Standard
14 hours ago
- Evening Standard
Hidden London: Polentina restaurant, Bow
Some dishes might be esoteric but we are all here to learn. They meander from Bari to Vienna, stopping in Florence, Bologna and the Dolomites along the way. There could be gnummareddi from Bari, a utilitarian mix of lamb's heart, liver and kidney served with pecorino and parsley. Or cappon magro, a layered seafood salad from Liguria. Pastasare the best representation of Italian food where the ingredients are allowed to shine; flavours are amplified and trumpeted into mouths. As for the Austrian side, expect the likes of grießnockerlsuppe, which is a semolina dumpling soup, and canederli,a dish from South Tyrol not dissimilar to semmelknödel from Bavaria.
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
World's best city for food is also 'one of the most dangerous in Europe'
The publication Time Out invited its market chefs to compile a list of the top three culinary capitals. Without hesitation they chose a southern Italian city as their number one. One of the delights of globetrotting is the opportunity to sample diverse cuisines and immerse oneself in various cultures. Europe, with its rich culinary traditions, never fails to astonish and delight. The ingenuity and creativity of European chefs have rightfully positioned Europe as a top destination for food enthusiasts worldwide. A particular European city has recently been spotlighted by professional gastronomes for its exceptional culinary offerings. Time Out magazine invited its market chefs to rank the top three gastronomic capitals. Without a moment's hesitation, they selected a southern Italian city, once home to one of the world's most renowned footballers, as their top choice. Naples, known for its splendid churches, world-class museums, and of course, its cuisine, took the crown, reports the Express. Perhaps the most iconic dish associated with this city is pizza - a creation that originated in Naples in the 19th century as a quick, inexpensive meal for the working class. Traditional pizzerias, primarily located around Via dei Tribunali, continue to satiate the appetites of Neapolitans today. Pizza remains the most affordable snack in Naples, with a fold-and-go slice costing approximately €1 each. The Cuoppo Napoletano is another local favourite and is as integral to the city's identity as the legendary Neapolitan Pizza. The traditional variant is known for a delicious assortment of seafood, which may include petite fishes, prawns, squid, anchovies, with the occasional inclusion of octopus. It's typically accompanied by a selection of vegetables, such as courgette blossoms, aubergine, and potato croquettes. Another local delicacy is charmingly called "mozzarella in carrozza", translating to "mozzarella in a carriage". This tempting dish starts with two slices of bread packed full of mozzarella cheese; they're then dunked in egg, encrusted with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until achieving a sumptuous golden-brown crust while the mozzarella inside turns into an irresistibly stretchy delight. Despite these culinary attractions, the city unfortunately bears a reputation for criminal activity and is associated with the Camorra, the infamous regional mafia. In the global crime index hosted by Naples finds itself ranked as the fourth most perilous European city. It's perceived to be riskier than London but not quite as hazardous as Marseille, Coventry or Birmingham.
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I'll never return to popular Italy holiday spot - everything shuts by 10pm'
I travelled to this popular destination in early June, when the spot is at peak season perfection. Initially, it seemed like a dream come true, but my choice of destination soon felt misguided. Lake Como, with its alpine splendour and Italian allure, has long been a top pick for those looking to escape. The lake is sprinkled with quaint pastel-coloured villages, grand villas, and striking mountain scenery. Plus, it's a stone's throw from Milan; you can hop on a train from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni, which takes roughly 37 to 47 minutes, or drive there in about an hour and 36 minutes. I made my way there in early June, when Lake Como was at its peak season perfection. Initially, it seemed like a dream come true, but my choice of destination soon felt misguided. Arriving at the bustling ferry port in Bellagio, my first impression was stunning – it's easy to see why it's dubbed "the pearl of Lake Como". Yet, the charm of Bellagio quickly wore off, overhyped by the endless TikTok and Instagram reels that had bombarded me before my visit. Bellagio sits on the Lario Peninsula, nestled in the southern reaches of Lake Como. By day, its beauty is undeniable, and even with throngs of tourists, the cobbled lanes feel manageable, reports the Express. But come evening, the magic seems to dissipate. To my surprise, most eateries close early – around 9pm or 9:30pm - with only a handful staying open until 10pm or 11pm. After spending the day discovering the lake's delights, we were longing for a leisurely late-night meal or a drink against the picturesque backdrop. Alas, Bellagio was already tucking itself in for the night. Hailing from Milan, where nightlife spills into the bustling squares, Bellagio seemed oddly quiet. Looking back, we may have been a bit naive to expect the same late-night European buzz in a small lakeside town. Still, we were let down by the early closing times. It was especially annoying on nights when we came back from other towns like Lenno, where eateries stayed open later and the atmosphere was more laid-back, warm and inviting. Our day at Villa del Balbianello (famous for its Star Wars and James Bond scenes) ended with a more lively late afternoon in Lenno, highlighting that Bellagio simply wasn't the right base for us. For a place as tourist-focused and polished as Bellagio, the food was a letdown. We had a string of rather forgettable dinners, and one night was particularly marred by a very dry tiramisu served by a host who had strong views on local Airbnb owners. While some restaurant owners were kind - one even lent us umbrellas and plastic bags when we got caught in a dramatic rainstorm - most meals felt overpriced and underwhelming. Despite its culinary backdrop, Bellagio lacked flavour; however, there's something to be said for long queues at restaurants luring us away from some of the most popular spots. Bellagio, the busiest town on Lake Como, feels more commercialised than its quieter, more authentic neighbours. Even Varenna and Lenno, which are equally popular, retain a rustic Italian charm. However, Bellagio has its own allure. Staying with an Airbnb host who lived on-site offered a fantastic chance to practise Italian and enjoy fresh fish cooked in the garden after his fishing trip. Another highlight was the stunning landscape, with Bellagio offering almost panoramic views. It felt like discovering San Giovanni beach, a hidden gem reached by a scenic walk (with plenty of stairs). By this measure, Bellagio is not very accessible for less mobile visitors beyond the cobbled streets leading to the bustling port. Public transport is limited to ferries, buses and a few elusive taxis. The slow ferry from Como to Bellagio is a must-do. This nearly two-hour cruise passes charming villages like Tremezzo, Lenno, and Cernobbio. At just £18, it's scenic and relaxing, making the long journey absolutely worth it, even if it means returning to the drizzly UK summer. The ferry schedule to other parts of the lake is simple enough if you pop by the ferry port. A bit of friendly advice: secure your ticket first, then nip across to the restaurant opposite the port for a drink while you wait. Enjoying complimentary nibbles with an Aperol in the sunshine certainly makes queuing a more enjoyable affair, but don't let yourself get too swept up in the moment, or you might just miss the ferry.
