A new pop-up restaurant called Classico Moderno has opened up headed up by Chef Bryan Gerlini (formerly Capriccio Osteria, Cafe Paci, A Tavola and michelin-starred restaurants in Italy). I check out what's on offer.
You have the choice of a three or six course menus. The six courses is $65 (minimum 2 people, average time is 2 hours). You can also get matching wines for $45 (4 glasses). The three courses is $45 with two matching wines is an additional $25.
MW and I taste a variety of dishes starting with the Mortadella Cannoli (top photo), which is a balsamic vinegar pastry rolled in pistachio powder and filled with a mortadella mousse. MW's eyes light up as he bites into the cannoli. He loves the Mortadella mousse.
The Cotechino slider (above) is a modern version of the cotechino con lenticchie which is a pig trotter sausage served in a steamed lentil bun. Classico Moderno has added truffle mayo with house made pickles. There's also the traditional piadina romagnola with house made bread. What a great way to start the meal with these snacks. I love the modern twists.
The Parmigiana Di Melanzane is the eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, parmesan and mozzarella. I really like cheese and I like eggplant so it's a nice combination which is simple and tasty.
The Passatelli ai Funghi Porcini is the house made passatelli served in a rich porcini mushroom sauce. This dish really goes down well with wine. The thinly sliced mushrooms are served up raw so they have that contrasting texture.
This is the Tortellini al Burro, Parmiggiano e Balsamico (above) which is a house made meat tortellini with butter, parmesan and aged balsamic vinegar. There is a bit of theatre as the staff bring out a little dropper and explain that this balsamic vinegar is over 18 years old and then drops 4 balsamic vinegar drops into the pasta. Ooo.
The Pesce all'Acqua Pazza is the Mackerel with capers, capsicum, parsley and tomato reduction. I really how the crispy capers as they add salt and crunch to the mackerel.
MW and I cleanse our palettes so we can enjoy dessert with some strawberry sorbet.
For dessert, we have the very popular Zuppa Inglese which is the sponge cake with vanilla and chocolate custard drenched in alchermes liqueur. I absolutely loved this dessert.
Summary: For modern and legit Italian, you must try Classico Moderno. Chef Bryan Gerlini stays true to the region of Emilia Romagna but adds that modern touch. Make sure you order some wine :)
Price: $65 for 6 courses or $45 for 3 courses
Location: 172 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst
Opening Hours:
Closed on Mondays and Sunday
5:30pm to 10pm Tuesday to Saturday
12pm to 3pm Thursday to Saturday
Weekend Food Escapes dined as guests of Ompty. All words, opinions and photos are my own.
Ahhh how good is that Cotechino slider!!
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