Anthony Demetre's been VERY busy of late. He's added a new bar to Arbutus, is behind a new high-rise restaurant at Old Street and now he's coming to the Barbican with a view to improve your dining if you're heading to a show.
Together with Searcy's, he's opening Osteria in the Barbican Centre and it'll focus on bistro cooking much like his other restaurants. Leading things will be Head Chef Patrick Leano, (who comes from Arbutus, which bodes well).
One big focus is charcuterie. And all that comes from an old meat slicer that will be the centre of attention in the centre of the restaurant. As for the rest of the menu - expect:
- Starters of Carpaccio of Sea Bream, Clementine, Fennel and Chilli; White Onion and Bread Soup; and Buratta with artichokes, carrots and hazelnuts
- Sharing dishes including Porchetta; ‘Roman-style’ tripe; and Grilled Octopus, potatoes and smoked peppers.
- Homemade pasta dishes including Rigatoni with Sicilian Sausage and Ricotta Gnudi with Endive and Apple Balsamic Dressing
- Mains include Suckling Pig with Sage Potatoes and Slow cooked beef polenta and roast onions.
- And finally desserts are Polenta Cake with Orange Marmalade and Zabaione
As for drinks, they continue the Italian theme - think classic Negronis and Bellinis. But there'll also be drinks with a twist like the Amber Negroni which replaces the sweet vermouth and Campari with Braulioa and Lillet.
The restaurant itself is also getting a big re-fit. The re-launch date is 11 February - but locals and concert goers will get the opportunity to try out the soft launch from 1 February. All in all, this sounds very positive for anyone who frequents the Barbican where they seem to finally be getting their restaurant act together.
Osteria officially opens on 11 February 2016 at Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS.
