Gastronomica

Gastronomica
Tachbrook St
£65

This deli/restaurant has been in business for just over a year and has an excellent word of mouth reputation. We went early so we were lucky that it wasn’t too busy. It isn’t prepossessing from the outside but once you’re inside it reminded us of a wine shop we visited in Florence. The dishes on the specials list were all under a tenner so the cost of our meal was mainly taken by MP indulging in a very good bottle of vino collapso. I really enjoyed the tuscan soup made with vegetables - as our hostess said, it also had a smoky taste. Just the thing for a rainy UK bank holiday! I then had a veggie lasagne – one of my fave things because I’m too lazy to make it. I really liked it because they didn’t go mad with cheesy or béchamel sauce which can be overpowering instead it was chewy and tomatoey. Served plenty of bread I was very full but it didn’t stop me raiding MP’s excellent Gastronomica plate which had something for everyone. Lovely service and we were given discount shopping vouchers so foodie gifts for our loved ones beckon. We’re definitely coming back! HP

It’s a long weekend in Blighty and it makes sense that it is rainy and cold. That was all offset by walking into Gastronomica. It’s sandwiched between a few stores including a butcher (very good) and a convenience store (convenient) so it’s unassuming. When we got in they said they needed out table back by 8pm. OK, we are lame and got there unfashionably early. The shelves are lined with bottles of wine. Not as decoration but as something you ponder and enjoy. I started with a Tuscan soup which was delightful and very satisfying considering the English spring time weather. But, what was even better was the Gastronomica Plate. Mmmm. This was not a one bottle affair, but two timing is sometimes frowned upon. I had a bottle of Barollo (fruity, with a bit of leather and vanilla – could have been fuller). How can I go wrong with a plate of delectable meats, some fine cheese and some veg for decoration? Easy. I only ordered one plate. Sorry, HP, I will go there and prop up the bar in the not too distant future. I am sold. MP