The path to the opening of Russell Norman's new venture Spuntino has been anything but smooth. Originally intended to open in the summer of last year, the project stalled to due to lease issues and was overtaken by the opening of Polpetto. At that point, Polpo's chef Tom Oldroyd told Hot Dinners that Spuntino would have 'a downtown New York/Brooklyn feel - American/Italian diner style.'
Well now the launch is well and truly on. Spuntino will open at 61 Rupert Street Soho next month (March) with a menu including such NY delights as classic mac & cheese, the heavenly-sounding truffled egg toast, shoestring fries, soft-shell crab with Tabasco aioli and meatball sliders. On the drinks side, expect revived prohibition cocktails such as the Sazerac and the Bronx. Head chef will be Rachel O'Sullivan, currently sous-chef at Polpo
But what you shouldn't expect to find, is a seat. Going down in size one stage on from the miniscule Polpetto which has 28 covers, Spuntino will seat just 25 diners.
'I’ve been thrilled by the tremendous excitement that has greeted Polpo,' says Russell of his latest restaurant. 'It’s clear that London has an appetite for fun dining. I hope everyone will find Spuntino just as exciting, and maybe a little surprising.'
