I felt good the minute I walked into Grano. An Italian restaurant with an delicatessen shop, a cheese fridge, cakes and prepared lasagna with a selection of Italian specialties canned or bottled. Finally a smiling waitress, a smiling owner, classy music, a warm ambiance... I just felt good.
I was so happy the minute I passed the door. The place oozes with fresh vibes and despite the fact that it was 11:45am, I couldn't but stay for lunch.
A San Pellegrino, breadbasket, olive oil, balsamic vinegar... I was transported to Italy.
The idea of an Italian food shop in Bucharest was born in 2006, when Giulio and Giacomo convinced each other with a business plan written on the back of an envelope during a food fair in Italy that there was a great future for quality cuisine in Bucharest. In 2007, Giulio moved to Bucharest and one year later opened the first shop.
On the menu today is a selection of pasta of which I chose to have the penne ragou and spaghetti carbonara.
Let's eat:
- Oh my God! That's the Carbonara I've wanted to enjoy since a long time. The richly insensible flavorful carbonara with notes of acidity, al dente cooked spaghetti with a creamy feel of those cooked egg yolks. With lightly chewy bacon and notes of saltiness staying around for long, this is really tasty. Bravo chef.
- Penne ragou, a light firmness of those round penne, light red color, minced meat and tomato sauce, spices, light saltiness... I was flying over the rainbow with every bite.
Dessert:
- Lemon meringue tart... I've rarely had something that good. A creamy meringue, a crunchy crust with lemon cream. A lovely piece of cake.
- Cannoli rolled around cold pastry cream and covered with sugar. I never liked cannoli but this one made me change my mind.
I met the owner and congratulated him, he invited me into the kitchen, I saw the truth behind the success and I invite you to try it yourself.
After lunch I had a limoncello and not any limoncello but one made with milk and fresh cream, a limoncello that’s light in color, a strongman alcohol flavor, a smooth creaminess on the tongue, a rich lemon boost and a zesty after note.
Finally! Good food in Bucharest. Guys, thank you for existing.
