Bardolino takes over as another celebrity chain restaurant closes in Chiswick

After the demise of Gordon Ramsay's attempt to establish a restaurant in Chiswick, another celebrity backed venture has bitten the dust.

Frankie's, which had the high profile support of jockey Frankie Detorri and Marco Pierre White has closed. The site has been taken over by Bardolino which styles itself as a New York style Italian restaurant.

It takes its name from a village nestled in between Milan and Venice. It is the brainchild of with chef Cristian Medda, 'one of Italy's finest chefs', responsible for the food which mixes traditional Italian dishes with some American specialities such as T-bone steak. Looking at the menu the prices will be below those charged by Frankie's for similar dishes.

You will eat to a gentle soundtrack of the swinging 50s featuring artists such as Louis Prima and Dean Martin. On Friday and Saturday evenings there will also be live music. This Friday (10th June) there is an evening of jazz songs with Zoe Francis, Jim Mullen and Damon Brown on trumpet. On Saturday they are holding an Italian opera evening.

Bardolino imports the Italian cured meats, served with home-made Noccio Fritto or Foccatia and salads with fresh pear or avocado and mozzarella.

For mains they are recommending you try their fresh fish and meat specialities, such as Merluza alla Siciliana (grilled cod with a citrus fruit salad, olives and saffron potatoes) and Fegato alla Veneziana (grilled calves liver with fried onions).

June 7, 2011