Exclusive preview of Chiswick's newest Italian caffé and food shop

La dolce vita comes to Chiswick this week with the grand opening of acclaimed cook and author, Antonio Carluccio’s celebrated Italian caffé.  But before the doors opened on Saturday 13th May, Carluccio's allowed Chiswickw4.com an exclusive preview.

Carluccio’s combination of contemporary Italian caffé, alimentari food shop and deli offers a genuine Italian gastronomic experience. 

A striking and modern space, the brand new caffé combines fresh, bright colours with bold design features and characterised by a stunning giant black and white mural of a 1920’s convivial Italian dining scene.

Accommodating 108 people inside and 16 for alfresco dining, Carluccio’s is open throughout the day (from 8.00am to 11.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 10.00pm Saturday and Sunday) for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and supper.

Ideal for a gathering with friends or a family outing, Carluccio’s lunch and dinner menu boasts an array of authentic regional dishes created by Antonio and featuring the freshest ingredients, where possible sourced directly from Italy.

For a taste of Italian summer, enjoy light, seasonal plates of Insalata di Verde con Parmigiano (a salad of hearts of little gem lettuce, rocket and parmesan shavings dressed with exta virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar), Insalata di Pollo e Riso (strips of grilled chicken with saffron rice, peppers, olives and mustard dressing) and a selection of traditional antipasti with focaccia, salami, roast ham, stuffed chicken and other delicacies. For those with a sweet tooth, Carluccio’s selection of authentic Italian ice creams and refreshing sorbets, available in a host of flavours from coffee and bitter chocolate to mandarin and melon, provide the perfect end to a sunny afternoon.

Carluccio’s also offers a three-course children’s menu, complete with drink, offers freshly prepared and nutritious Italian dishes in child-friendly portions for just £4.95 and also features games and space for colouring-in, to keep the younger members of the family entertained.

Carluccio’s delightful deli and food shop offers a cornucopia of fresh food and store cupboard items for those wanting to take a little piece of Italy away with them. Fresh salamis, cheese, salads, olives, tarts, bakery items as well as a delectable range of meals-to-go are available at the hot and cold deli counters and ideal for last-minute dinner plans, while Carluccio’s perennially popular picnics, packed full of fabulous food and wine, are the ultimate way to make the most of the good weather. Alternatively, delicious food products including the highest quality infused oils, pastas, preserves, sauces, handmade sweets and chocolates, all chosen by Antonio and his wife Priscilla on extensive buying trips to Italy, can be found in the tempting food shop to help create a genuine taste of Italy at home.

May 15, 2006