FOOD & DRINK I T ’ S T H E TA S T I E S T PA G E O F T H E M A G A Z I N E …
CHANGE FOR A QUARTER While great cooking and sourcing has always been at the heart of Somer Dining at The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham, the guys are taking things to a new level by appointing Chris ‘Bell’s Diner’ Wicks as executive chef. As the Chocolate Quarter is essentially a retirement home, albeit with many areas open to the public, Chris is exploring a new concept based on the science behind how people appreciate food as they age so think small, light portions, with ig flavours in exciting new combinations – which sounds to us a pretty healthy way of eating for people of all ages. www.somerdining.co.uk
THE ITALIAN JOB Here’s a tasty collab, if you like. Local bar/restaurant group Hyde & Co have joined forces with popular Clifton neighbourhood restaurant Rosemarino, with the aim of bringing some fresh new ideas to the latter. Rosemarino has long been known and loved for its casual Italian- inspired food and drink. “The restaurant scene in Bristol is so fast paced,” says co-founder Sam Fryer (top, middle), “and we’ve always felt it’s important not to forget the more established venues among all the new openings. The partnership with Hyde & Co is a great opportunity for us to start a new chapter and bring some fresh new ideas to the table. “Nathan (Lee, top left) from Hyde & Co and I began working together 17 years ago in local institutions such as The Glass Boat and Goldbrick House, so it’s exciting to be collaborating with him again, and pooling our shared expertise.” he talian influence
will remain strong at Rosemarino, as co-founder Mirco is now based in Verona and will continue to supply top quality and exclusive Italian produce. Head chef Emilio Allegretti, from Modena, has also brought his expertise to the new menu, including a selection of cicchetti alongside Rosemarino’s famous all-day brunch and laidback evening dining. “We opened Hyde & Co at almost the same time as Rosemarino opened in Clifton, nearly ten years ago, and we’ve both weathered the storm of a very unpredictable decade for the food and drink industry,” says Nathan Lee. “We saw this partnership as a great opportunity to help out a fellow Bristol restaurant and celebrate everything that our industry has to o er. Rosemarino will be undergoing a gradual refurbishment over the next few weeks, but will still be open seven days a week. www.clifton.rosemarino.co.uk
HONOURING HERITAGE Larkin Cen’s restaurant Woky Ko: Kauto on Queen’s Road will reopen on 9 September as Woky Ko: Jing Xu. Jing Xu means ‘honouring heritage’, and the menu will be based on Siu Lap Dong – a casual type of eatery popular in China which serves meats roasted on spits over an open fire, creating a deep flavour in the roast. The restaurant will have a faster paced counter service, with upstairs reserved for private hire and group bookings. Open seven days a week, dishes will be available for both dine- in and takeaway customers. www.wokyko.com/ jing-xu
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 67