Everyone has ‘that’ restaurant. For some ‘that’ restaurant can be a guilty pleasure, shrouded in memories or just because you love it and can’t quite put your finger on it. For me, The Valle D’Oro at Newbury is the restaurant I always call upon when I need something. Sometimes it’s to fill a hole with so much cheese I can barely walk, other times it’s just because I love it. Why do I love it? I cannot be specific as all the aspects of being there work together to ultimately provide an evening you cannot leave without feeling satisfied.
The meal always starts with breadsticks and a basket of bread with butter or oil and vinegar. I somehow managed to turn my vinegar into what looked like a mini Italy with a massive Sardinia. If you squint anyway. Things started well, proper balsamic not that syrup malarkey and a mild but fruity olive oil. I have tried a few of the dishes over time and, despite them being delicious, I always come back to the lasagne.
This is the warm, gooey, beautiful bowl of loveliness that I crave. I think about its crispy edges, cheese laden top and sweet, meaty centre at least once a week. To me this is my perfect meal made by the lady who serves it to you. This isn’t a particularly long review but what else can I say? Every time I have been to this restaurant it’s absolutely packed so I can’t be the only one who cherishes it.
I enjoy the atmosphere, the staff, the food and the fact that they use a dessert trolley where the names of the desserts available are announced so fast you can barely catch their names. It’s honest, proper food and the portions are as generous as the hospitality. When food is this genuine it doesn’t need fancy presentation, you grab your fork and unashamedly dig in.
…
yeh to to genuine food without the need of fancy presentation. The lasagne will be a great change from the rice we eat most of the time. I had my share of tasting Italian food during my trip here.
It sounds wonderful and comforting. What state is this in – Boston?
Ooooh, I want to go to there! 😛
Oh I know exactly what my “that” restaurant would be. This one sounds fantastic!!
I adore Italian food, but can’t seem to find an Italian restaurant I like–so glad you have. Fortunately I’m going to Italy in a couple of weeks!
Mmm… looks good! I like the mini Italy you created with the oil and vinegar!
that lasagna looks so delicious! i totally know what you mean, we have one of those lovely, unpretentious italian restaurants in town that we just adore
Oh dear, I know what you mean. We have one of those places we love to go.
You make you drool reading all your description of the food that you eat in this restaurant… Sounds like it is the “place” if I’m visiting Newbury 😀
Your descriptions are making me crave this!
Just a quick question. If you’re in the Newbury area have you Ben to The Vineyard since Daniel Galmice took over. I went when Jon Campbell was in charge, it was the best meal I’ve ever had.
I think we all have “that” restaurant. Your description of the oil and vinegar on your bread plate made me laugh–I sometimes will make patterns in mine with a fork!