It was a beautiful evening, even though we ambled through spring showers, we were enjoying the moment. We were also looking forward to a fine dining experience in new surroundings at Old Hall Street restaurant at INNSiDE Liverpool.
Feature by Jean Hill
Gino D’Acampo spoke on the launch of the new seasonal menu. “As a chef, the spring and summer months are often the most exciting as there are so many vibrant ingredients to work with in the kitchen. The simple and beautiful flavours of the season are at the very heart of the new menu….”
It is a 200 cover extremely stylish dining area, on the ground floor. There is a glittering bar that looks like it stocks everything a person could desire. This is a wide open space with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Old Hall Street. The décor is light: the furniture elegant and comfortable. The staff are welcoming and seem to very much enjoy working at a Gino D’Acampo restaurant.
Valentina who served us, was more than enthusiastic about the food and the drinks which arrived with a smile. We opted for mains and dessert. This was a tough decision because the starter platters with Parma ham, king prawns, chilli mayonnaise, tomato, basil and ciabatta sounded wonderful.
My sea bass main arrived: soft, flaky, impressively fresh, with a rich vein of lemon and herb seasoning and Italian salsa. Just lovely. My companion chose asparagus risotto. Sounds so simple, yet in order for risotto to be suitably smooth and creamy it needs skilful cooking. It was a great success; beautifully fresh asparagus with a slightly nutty flavour in a creamy swirl of risotto rice. We had a side order of chips, which were crispy and moreish.
The dessert was an Italian take on Crème Brulée: Crème Catalana. Possibly slightly lighter and creamier than the French version, and definitely a classic. The fruity Italian wine worked really well with the sea bass. We enjoyed a fun, relaxed evening. The restaurant is popular, yet it has a 200 seat capacity. You can visit the 360 Sky Bar, on the 18th floor for an aperitif where the views are spectacular. Liverpool is a beautiful city with impressive Victorian and Georgian architecture and great style. The 360 degree panorama is a great experience to share with family or friends, with a glass of something fruity and sparkling in your hand.
Left feeling totally relaxed and promising myself that next time I will try the lamb stew Pugliese and one of those starter platters.
Liverpool@ginodacampohotelsandleisure.com / 0151 832 4517
www.ginodcampohotelsandleisure.com
From the archives: Interview with Gino D’Acampo at the 360 Sky Bar Liverpool, Old Hall Street.
