CARLUCCIO’S OPENS ITS DOORS IN MERMAID QUAY, CARDIFF BAY
Carluccio’s is now open in Mermaid Quay. The second to launch in the capital of Wales, the new restaurant and foodshop brings the very best and true flavours of Italy to Cardiff Bay, just minutes from the city centre.
Serving freshly prepared Italian food and drink all day every day, Carluccio’s at Mermaid Quay has whatever you fancy, whenever you fancy it. From breakfast and brunches through to leisurely lunches, the new restaurant offers a modern approach to dining while staying true to its Mediterranean roots and recreating a busy, Milanese ambiance at Cardiff Bay.
THE CAFFÈ AND RESTAURANT
From communal tables creating a lively atmosphere to an outdoor seating area for waterfront views, this Carluccio’s has something for everyone. With minimum fuss and maximum flavour being the bread and butter of Antonio Carluccio’s recipes and seasonal menus, the dishes are classic Italian with a contemporary twist.
Starting with breakfast, from Carluccio’s Breakfast Magnifica (a choice of free range eggs with grilled smoky pancetta, sausage, sautéed mushrooms and toasted Italian bread, coffee or tea and a fresh juice) and Panettone (toasted slices of Italian fruit bread served with butter) to proper Italian coffees from one of Carluccio’s exclusive blends, Napoli or Milano, the genuine connections with Italy are shared seven days a week.
For sharing, there are a variety of small plates including Polpette (beef meatballs in tomato sauce) and Caprese Bites (skewers of Buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil), and for friends and families that like to graze in the sunshine there is the magnificent Grandioso, with everything from Milano and Ventricina salami and pancetta wrapped prawns to homemade focaccia and bruschettine. The Trio di Pasta offers a sharing selection of any three of the handmade pastas on the menu for only £22 – choices include the Lobster Spaghetti (lobster tossed in spaghetti with crab, fresh tomato, basil and chilli), Penne Giardiniera (Pugliese penne with courgette, chilli and fried spinach balls with Italian cheese balls) and Ravioli (homemade delicate ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta, served in the traditional way with butter and sage).
Other dishes include seasonal soups, fresh salads, fish and meat options, including the Tagliata di Manzo (sliced chargrilled rump steak, served with rocket leaves and shaved Parmesan, rosemary potatoes and tarragon mayonnaise) for two. A set menu is available and priced at only £10.99 for two courses with favourites such as Bruschetta and Milanese di Pollo (flattened chicken breast, bread-crumbed and fried with rocket and baby gem).
To finish, there is an extensive dessert menu that includes Tiramisù ai Frutti Di Bosco (homemade fruity tiramisu of mascarpone cream with light sponge, mixed berries and raspberry coulis), artisanal Italian gelato and refreshing sorbets.
Matching good food with good drink, enjoy craft beers, carefully selected Italian wines or an aperitivo, such as Peroni or Campari. The seasonal cocktail list is perfect for after-work drinks and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, while the new brunch cocktails, including the Prosecco ‘Mimosa’ (a chilled bottle of Santa Sara Prosecco with sparkling orange on the side to individually mix), are the ideal pairings for a leisurely weekend brunch.
THE FOODSHOP
From lemon oils to chilli pesto, squid ink pasta to dried porcini mushrooms, honey cantucci to cappuccino truffles, as well as shelves of Italian wines, look no further than Carluccio’s foodshop. Jam-packed with specialist artisan products, packed to perfection and sourced from all over Italy, the store is not only great for gifts, but also a pit-stop for those heading home and searching for the perfect duo of pasta and sauce.
Last but not least, the homemade Carluccio’s picnic hampers are not to be overlooked, available to pre-order and collect in the restaurant. Keep an eye out in-store or on Carluccio’s website for more information about the events that take place at Mermaid Quay.
Carluccio’s, 2 Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BZ. Tel: 029 2046 0201
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