The new seasonal menus feature a variety new and exciting dishes, launching at the start of October. Utilising fresh seasonal produce, the menus offer a delicious mix of Pesci (fish), carne (meat) and dolci (sweet) dishes. Offerings will differ across San Carlo’s 25 UK locations, including London, Manchester, Leeds, Leicester, Birmingham, and Bristol.
Cicchetti’s approach to food is simple. Originating from Venice, the Cicchetti experience celebrates one of the most enjoyable aspects of Venetian life – eating. Diners are encouraged to create their own meal from the Cicchetti menu by ordering multiple plates to share, or eat alone.
New to the starter menus at Cicchetti London and Cicchetti North this winter are the Insalata Con Zucca (a butternut squash, beetroot and watercress salad), the Sourdough and Beef Stew (florentine slow-cooked beef on toasted sourdough), and the Tomino and Truffle Cream (crispy fried tomato cheese from Piedmont with truffle sauce).
San Carlo is renowned for our wide selection of authentic Italian pasta dishes, and the new pasta additions to the winter menu this year are no expectation.
Across Cicchetti restaurants, new pasta highlights include the Mafaldine Beef Cheek (consisting of short wavy pasta with slow-cooked beef ragu), the Pappardelle Duck (long ribbon egg pasta with slow-cooked duck ragu), the Ravioli Porcini (handmade mushroom ravioli with creamy porcini sauce), and the Risotto Zucca (risotto with pumpkin, squash, burrata, vegetarian ‘nduja, and fresh winter truffle).
The meat selections include the Agnello al Barolo (lamb cutlets prepared with Barolo red wine, rosemary, and sun-blushed tomatoes) and the Pollo Principessa (pan-fried chicken breast with white wine, mushrooms, cream, and green asparagus). Additionally, we’re excited to introduce the new Pollo Valdostana (breaded chicken breast topped with cheese, ham, and tomato) to our offerings.
For those who prefer seafood, we have also added a delightful new fish dish to our winter menu: the Lemon Sole with Capers and Brown Shrimps.
To round off the San Carlo winter menu experience, there are two new dolci dishes for dessert that have been added to the winter menus. The Frangipane Peach (a peach and almond cake) and the Torta Caprese (an almond and chocolate cake) will both feature on the menus at the Cicchetti London and North restaurants, as well as the Isola, Fumo Manchester, and Regent Street London restaurants.
Lacoste is paying tribute to the enduring grace, vitality, and vigor of tennis, a fundamental part of the brand’s DNA, to kick off a summer celebration of sports at Selfridges. Drawing inspiration from the texture and visual elements of grass courts, Lacoste reimagines the conventional tennis scenery into a visually engaging and spirited experience, focusing on the essence of motion.
At the heart of the campaign lies the captivating transformation of our very own rooftop restaurant, Alto, now known as Le Club Lacoste for the summer. Drawing inspiration from the rich tennis heritage synonymous with the French fashion sport brand, the lines of the tennis court are creatively intertwined to form a visual and textural representation that exudes sophistication and modernity, all while honoring the sport’s influence.
Teaming up with Alto, Lacoste introduces a tennis-inspired menu showcasing special Lacoste cocktails such as the Rene, Cucumber Deuce, and Match Point Spritz, along with some impressive menu food offerings.
Beyond the rooftop restaurant, Lacoste has extended its presence to the rooftop terrace, where live tennis matches are to be showcased on digital screens, through out Wimbledon. The venue also houses a Lacoste archive, displaying images from René Lacoste’s remarkable tennis career and the original Lacoste polo shirt.
Come and join us at Alto and experience this unique takeover until July 21st.
Flying Pizza in Roundhay, Leeds has established itself as an iconic institution, attracting a diverse range of visitors over the years. It stands out as one of the most prestigious restaurants in the region. This year commemorates the 50th anniversary since first opening its doors in 1974, as Adriano’s Flying Pizza.
Adriano and Carlo have maintained a strong friendship throughout the years. Their bond developed years ago when Carlo would bring his children, Marcelo (our current CEO), and Sacha Distefano (our current COO), to Flying Pizza every Sunday when they were kids.
Marcello recalls being fascinated by the supercars parked outside when he was a child, commenting that ‘It felt like a showroom at the front of the restaurant.’ He envisions Flying Pizza thriving for another 50 years, even if he is no longer around, wishing for someone else to preserve the restaurant and its legacy.
Today, Flying Pizza is managed by our very own Daniele Atzori, who is loved amongst our loyal customers and serves as one of our exceptional General Managers. With experience in launching new locations, Daniele shared, “I have led numerous site openings for various companies and my own personal venture from 2004 to 2009 in Wylde Green, located north of Birmingham.”
We asked him about the future goals for Flying Pizza over the next year. His response was simple, “Our objective is to become the top Italian restaurant in the region, and truth be told, we are well on our way to achieving just that.”
The San Carlo group love being apart of a piece of Roundhay history and look forward to the next 50 years.
Apparently, it’s summer (any weather updates, anyone?) which officially marks the start of cocktail season! We have crafted an exclusive summer cocktail menu in-house, curated by our Bar Development Manager, Francesco Putignano, to cover all your summer needs, whether it’s sunny or rainy, weekends or weekdays, we have the perfect choice.
Kicking off the must-try cocktails is the fruity and tropical Moonlight, featuring Bacardí Spiced Rum, Mouse Kingdom Blue Curaçau, Blackberry, Pineapple, Lime, and Passionfruit. It’s the perfect refreshing companion for any summer afternoon.
For something with a twist, try the Mount ‘n’ Stormy, a spicy mix of Ron Zacapa 23, Amaro Montenegro, Ginger Beer, Lime, and a Parmesan Crisp garnish. This surprisingly tropical and delightfully bubbly cocktail is a unique choice.
If you lean towards fruity flavours, we recommend the Relief, blending Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil, Rhubarb, Lemon, Soda and Tarragon. This refreshing long cocktail is an ideal choice for an after-dinner drink.
Stop by any of our San Carlo restaurants to discover so many more delightful choices and let us know which is your favourite!
Delicious food and delectable wines are ingrained into Italian culture, with Italy being the biggest producer of wine globally. Grapes are grown in nearly every part of Italy, so it’s understandable that Italian wine pairs perfectly with Italian food. Read our blog post below to find out which wine pairs with our dishes.
HOW TO PAIR
When choosing a wine to go with your dish, it’s important to have a basic understanding of flavour profiles and to match them accordingly. Bitterness, sweetness, acidity, salt and fat all balance together in order to make the perfect combination, and complimenting flavours should always be at the forefront of our mind when matching wines and dishes.
APERTIFS
Sparkling white wines, such as Proseccos and Champagnes, are perfect served as an aperitif before a meal. This is because it keeps things light and refreshing, and gives you the opportunity to take things slow until your meal arrives. They also pair well with salty starters, such as arancini as the sweetness contrasts the saltiness.
PASTA DISHES
When ordering wine to go with pasta dishes, you should consider what kind of sauce your pasta dish will have and match your wine accordingly.
White Sauce
Pasta with white sauces, such as a Carbonara, will require a wine that both matches and cuts through the creaminess of the egg and cheese sauce. In order to do this, you want a dry wine that has citrus notes – which makes a Pinot Grigio the perfect choice.
Meat Sauce
Italian meat sauces, such as bologneses and ragus, tend to be rich and comforting. They contain lots of deep flavours and so need to be paired with a wine that can complement this. The acidity within a red wine , such as a classic Chianti, will make you feel refreshed after such a fulfilling dish. If you prefer white wines, a Verdicchio will also work well due to the full-bodied flavour.
Red Sauce
Italian tomato sauces can vary in depth on flavour, depending on the dish they’re being made for. Lighter versions of the sauce match well with crisp Italian whites, like a Vermentino, a Verdicchio or a Pinot Grigio. Once you start to add more flavours to the sauce, then softer red wines tend to match better such as a Barbera D’Asti.
RISOTTO DISHES
Pairing wines with risotto dishes is similar to pairing them with pasta dishes, as there is no one wine that goes with everything. Instead, you have to match the notes in the wine to the flavours within the dish itself.
Risotto dishes made with seafood or vegetables pairs perfectly with a full-bodied white wine such as a Gavi. However, meat or mushroom risottos can have a fuller flavour and therefore need a fuller wine, hence why red wines work better. A Barbera is light enough in taste to not overpower the dish, yet has enough acidity to bring out the richness of the meat.
PIZZA DISHES
Pizza dishes just call out for an Italian red wine to cut through the tomatoey base and the mozzarella cheese. A light wine such as a Valpolicella or even a well-balanced Chianti will work well with pizza and bring out the flavours that could so easily be missed.
MEAT DISHES
Rich, red meat dishes such as a steak need a bold wine to go with them. Consider something like a Cabernet, which is full of tannin. This assertive flavour will stand up to the richness of the meat, without overpowering it completely.
However, leaner meats will call for a softer wine like a Valpolicella, which tends to have fruiter notes.
If you’re unsure what wine to pair with your meal, our expert waiters can offer you suggestions. Why not check out San Carlo’s menu and then book a table and eat delicious Italian food cooked by experienced Italian chefs.
Whether you’re out at a restaurant, hosting a dinner party or just want a hearty meal for yourself, Italian cuisine always goes down well. Although Italian food can be high in calories, it is actually healthier than you may expect with good fats, such as those found in olive oil, an abundance of fresh vegetables and proteins make up much loved dishes.
Read on to discover what healthy Italian food you can make at home.
BRUSCHETTA
The famous appetizer bruschetta is simple, but delicious. It contains some of the best flavours Italian cuisine, consisting of lightly toasted slices of bread topped with fresh tomato, garlic and oregano making it a low-calorie dish that’s a great at-home snack!
CAPRESE SALAD
Caprese salad represents the colours of the Italian flag, and is made up of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato and basil and finished with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Fresh mozzarella is low in calories and fat compared to other types of cheeses and is full of protein and minerals, so all the more reason to enjoy this dish.
MINESTRONE
Minestrone soup is a dish that is packed full of seasonal vegetables, moistened by a light broth and bulked out by beans, rice or pasta. The recipe calls for any vegetables that you feel like putting in, along with basic cupboard ingredients such as spices, pasta and vegetable stock. It’s high in fibre and can be made vegan or gluten free should your diet require it, meaning that anyone can enjoy it.
ITALIAN-STYLE STUFFED PEPPERS
A healthier alternative to stuffed pasta shells, this low-carb alternative can be stuffed with rice, tomatoes, meats and cheeses of your choosing. Italian style stuffed peppers can fulfill the same craving for stuffed pasta shells, but with far less calories and without compromising on taste!
RISOTTA ALLA MILANESE
Risotto Alla Milanese, or risotto with saffron and parmesan is the pride of Milan! Surprisingly simple to make at home, it consists of risotto rice, a pinch of saffron and a splash of white wine. The creaminess of risotto comes from the starch of Arborio rice and the flavour comes from the stock it’s cooked in – perfectly healthy!
PASTA PRIMAVERA
A pasta dish that’s full of lemon, garlic and bright vegetables is bound to be good for you. This dish is easy to make, as all you’ll need is dried pasta and any vegetables that you have in your fridge – the more the better! It can be enjoyed for either lunch or dinner too, as it’s low in fat and extremely filling.
If you’re intrigued by any of the specialty dishes mentioned here why not check out San Carlo’s menu, and then book a table and eat delicious Italian food cooked by experienced Italian chefs.
Christmas is an exciting time in Italian culture, as locals celebrate the birth of Christ with plenty of fun traditions, food and drink. If you’re wondering how you can get in on the wonderful Italian Christmas celebrations, stock up on Panettone and have a read of their customs below..
ADVENT
If you want to replicate an Italian Christmas, you may want to hold off on putting your decorations up as soon as you can. In Italy, celebrations tend to start around the 8th December, which is known as the day of Immaculate Conception. On this day, many Italian families decorate their trees and homes with Christmas decorations and begin to wrap their gifts. In many Italian homes presepi (or Nativity as most other people know it) scenes are displayed to celebrate the story of Jesus’ birth, along with Christmas trees, wreaths and plenty of fairy lights.
During the eight days before Christmas, Novena (carollers) head out to sing traditional Christmas songs throughout the neighbourhood and in some Italian cities, bagpipers known as zampognari can be found strewn along the streets, bringing Christmas cheer to everyone too!
CHRISTMAS EVE
If you really want to celebrate like an Italian, you’ll have to refrain from eating meat on Christmas Eve. According to Italian Christmas traditions, the huge family meal eaten on Christmas Eve (Vigilia di Natale) contains no meat whatsoever. Instead Italians opt for seafood and pasta dishes such as octopus and shellfish, followed by lasagne with anchovies or vermicelli with clams or mussels – depending on which region you’re from. Italians believe that not eating meat before a religious holiday will purify your body. It’s also traditional to pay tribute to the seven sacraments by eating at least seven courses, so you’ll have to prepare plenty to go around!
After finishing a huge meal, the next thing on the agenda would be to head to midnight mass at your local church. After this, a toast is made with a glass of sparkling wine and – yes, more food – a slice of panettone. Eating this traditional sweet Italian bread is the Italian’s way of bringing in Christmas Day.
CHRISTMAS DAY
If you think that Christmas Eve is the pinnacle of indulgence, you’d be wrong. On Christmas Day, Italians tend to spend all day around the dinner table, eating great food and surrounding themselves in the company of their loved ones. Italian Christmas dinner consists of multiple dishes of pasta in broth, stuffed turkey, salmon, vegetables and even more panettone! Wine is also consumed to wash down all the food, and to toast to Christ. And you won’t have to hold off on the gift giving for long, it’s now common for gifts to be exchanged after Christmas dinner with the fairly modern idea that Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) had delivered them the night before to all the good children.
Celebrations don’t end on Christmas Day either, they carry on to December 26th, which is known as Il giorno di Santo Stefano, or the day of Saint Stephen’s feast. On this day, families get together once more and eat the leftover food and sweets from the day before. For Italians, the official end of the Christmas season isn’t until the 6th of January, which is known as the Epiphany.
THE EPIPHANY
And just when you think that you can’t celebrate any more, The Epiphany arrives! The twelfth day of Christmas, known as the Epiphany in Italian culture, is supposedly the day when the Three Kings arrived to visit baby Jesus in the manger. If you want to follow tradition, this would be the date that children receive their gifts if they had been good that year.
According to legend, a good witch known as La Befana was asked to go with the Wise Men to visit the baby Jesus, but she refused as she had too much to do. She later regretted her decision and set out to follow them, but never found the men or the child. And so, to this day, she is still searching for him, leaving gifts for good children along the way. The arrival of La Befana is celebrated once again with panettone and traditional Italian sweets, and a feast for the Three Kings is prepared. This tends to include cured meats, cheeses and of course, some sort of amazing pasta dish.
If you’re interested in any of the specialty dishes mentioned here why not check out San Carlo’s menu – or book a table and eat Italian food the right way.
It’s that time of year once more, festivities are in full swing and Christmas is just around the corner. Here at San Carlo, we’ve got plenty of classic Italian alcoholic drinks to get you in the mood for celebrating, and we’re also debuting a new selection Italian inspired Christmas cocktails.
CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS
PANETTONE PUNCH
If you’re looking for an Italian drink that’s full of flavour then look no further. This delight contains Courvoisier, Panettone Syrup and Angostura Bitter and is served with a garnish of panettone that’ll warm you from the inside… And it tastes simply delicious!
SPICED WINTER PEAR
There’s no other time of year more perfect for a spiced drink than Christmas, and Spiced Pear is a classic flavour. We’ve combined Grey Goose Le Poir, Liquor 43, Myrtille Syrup, lemon juice and apple juice to create the perfect balance of flavours.
CANDIED COFFEE
When you think of classic Italian drinks, coffee is certainly something that springs to mind, so for those with more of a sweet tooth we’ve created the Candied Coffee cocktail and it’s simply a dream. Containing Mezcal, Herradura, Coffee, Liquor 43 and Dark Chocolate Bitters. The coffee and dark chocolate flavours complement one another beautifully and are harmonious with the subtle alcoholic notes.
CLASSIC COCKTAILSNEGRONI
One of the most famous Italian cocktails there is, the Negroni is as popular at this time of year as any other. Made from Gin, Sweet Vermouth and Campari, it has a mature flavour, that contrasts the sweetness with bitterness.
MARTINI
One of the most well known mixed drinks out there, the Martini is a cocktail that is made with Gin and Vermouth and is often garnished with a lemon. We serve many variants on the classic Martini, including the Pornstar Martini and a seasonal Winter Spice Martini, which is flavoured with Bombay Sapphire Mince Pie Infusion. It’s a must try!
BELLINI
A Bellini is a classic Italian champagne cocktail that mixes Prosecco with white peach juice, or for different variations, mandarin, mango or strawberry juice. It’s delicate flavour makes it the perfect drink for any time of the day, so it’s definitely not one to be missed this festive season.
If you’re intrigued by any of the specialty drinks in this post, why not check out San Carlo’s menu or book a table and celebrate the right way.
If you’d like to party into the early hours, with great food and drink and a stunning skyline view this New Years Eve, why not celebrate with us at Alto?
On December 31st, our chic, verdant rooftop venue at Selfridges London will be offering two NYE 2020 packages. For £50 per person, Alto’s New Year non-dining celebrations includes a glass of Franciacorta at the inside bar or, if the weather permits, on our idyllic terrace.
In addition, for those who would like to dine with us on New Year’s Eve, an indulgent selection of dishes are available.
Our highly skilled chefs will be creating the perfect accompaniment to your glamorous night out, including dishes such as chargrilled asparagus with truffle butter and Parmesan cheese, Yellowfin tuna tartare served with capers and avocado and risotto with pumpkin, saffron and black truffles. For dessert, guests also have the choice between our famous pistachio cake or a chocolate bombe, served with hazelnut ice cream and salted caramel sauce. Guests can choose 5 dishes (between 2 people), plus enjoy a dessert and a complimentary glass of Franciacorta on arrival each, for only £75 per person.
To ensure you don’t miss out on seeing in the New Year in true San Carlo style, book your tickets by calling 020 7318 3287 now.
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