13 March 2013

ITALIAN CONNECTIONS

What better way to proclaim Italian connections and influence than a lunch at NSP in Parnell? I almost thought I was in Napoli today sitting in the restaurant's Italianate courtyard in the dappled sunlight eating a superb menu of grilled vegetables with fresh mozzarella, beautifully seasoned seafood salad (insalata di mare) and a hearty duck confit cannelloni with porcini. Matched to excellent Poderi Crisci wines. Their extra virgin olive oil from the Waiheke estate is pretty delicious too!

The occasion was the launch of Nespresso's new limited edition coffees, inspired by the cities of Trieste and Naples. The star turn was the affagato, a scoop of tiramisu ice cream with Napoli espresso poured over for dessert. I can't help thinking of the Mafia when I hear about Naples, and this special coffee is bold, assertive with woody, smoky overtones and a dark intensity that really is totally suited to the name! Very Italian, very complex.

I try to limit myself to one coffee a day but I sipped on the Trieste as well and found it a silky, slightly lighter style. Bella Italia!