FOOD & DRINK
RestaurantReview
The country itself may seem far away, but thanks to La Capanna in Terrington St John the tastes of Italy are a lot closer to home – and as wonderful as ever
T
his month we decided to visit an authentic Italian restaurant called La Capanna situated just behind The Woolpack Inn on School Road in Terrington St John. I had heard it was first opened around 30 years ago in King’s Lynn by an Italian couple, and they still run the restaurant (as head chefs) today with their daughter and granddaughter. The idea of a family-run Italian restaurant was just too good to resist! Upon entering the restaurant we were met by the daughter Lisa, who was very welcoming, professional and friendly. She took our coats and handed us the menu while we sat in a comfortable pre-dinner seating area. This set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable evening. The menu had lots of different options including very traditional Italian dishes and some dishes I’d describe as an English take on Italian food. This was brilliant as it meant there were options to suit every taste bud. It included antipasti, fish dishes, pasta, salads and meat. But what really took our fancy were the flambé steaks! Either fillet or sirloin cooked with either a Diana sauce (brandy, onions,
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mushrooms and Worcester sauce) or al Pepe (brandy cream and black peppers). My husband decided on the Fillet al Pepe and I ordered the pasta dish Spaghetti Amatriciana, with the view we were going to share both. We ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio and enjoyed the relaxed setting while our table was prepared. When seated, my husband was most impressed that the flambé steaks meant the head chef came to your table and actually cooked the dish in front of you! This was such a good touch and was mouthwatering to watch. The family shared great banter with their guests and made the meal a real experience. The steak was served with sautéed potatoes, cheese and onion mash and vegetables, and the pasta came with a fresh crisp salad – both dishes tasted as good as they looked. Following the main a blackboard was presented to us with a choice of four home-cooked deserts. Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Banoffee pie and a tempting Coffee, Rum and Raisin trifle. We ordered the trifle and Banoffee pie and they were simply two of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten. The cream was light and fluffy, and the flavours in the
trifle complemented each other perfectly. I also liked the fact the desserts were served with fresh cream, which so many restaurants do not and this can make all the difference. At the end of the meal we were so full and satisfied, and when the bill only came to £40 for the food and £14.95 for the wine we wished we’d remembered to bring our Italian phrasebook – it would have been nice to say the meal was ‘fantastic’ in an equally authentic fashion!
FOOD
9
SERVICE
VALUE
9 9 10 10 10
LA CAPANNA RESTAURANT School Road, Terrington St John, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire Tel: 01945 880099 Web: www.lacapanna.biz
KLmagazine December 2012