CHESHIRE: Michelin restaurant Da Noi unveils new menu
| 20th May 2021
CHESHIRE: Michelin restaurant Da Noi unveils new menu. Set in the historic walled cathedral city of Chester, lies a real Italian gem, Da Noi Chester. Run by husband-and-wife duo chef Valentina and front of house, resident wine expert Fabrizio, Da Noi specialises in authentic Italian cuisine, lovingly prepared from scratch every day.
With only a tiny kitchen to work from, Valentina has curated a menu bursting with a variety of flavours, taking each guest on a journey through Italy’s rich and diverse food history.
Da Noi itself is an intimate and relaxed space which offers diners a unique food experience, with carefully selected wines from the regions of Italy which pairs each dish perfectly.
VIVA was lucky enough to warrant an invitation to visit Da Noi, and to be among the first to try out their brand-new menu for Spring 2021, with a six-course tasting menu including wine pairings alongside each dish.
Our journey at Da Noi began with the Peperone “BC” in Bufala. This translates to Buffalo mozzarella stuffed with roasted peppers and a traditional Piedmont anchovies’ sauce. The wine pairing for this dish was a Gavi, Dolcetto. A very light tasting red wine.
What initially stood out to me in this dish was the delicate combination of flavours. I felt instantly transported to the Amalfi coast. It was as if I was sitting upon a rooftop terrace looking out to a clear blue sea. The combination of red and yellow peppers really brightened this dish, and the smells that accompanied it were that of pure bliss, one that I can only describe as sunshine on a plate.
As we left the Amalfi coast, I was transported to a lovely, picturesque seaside town with the next course. The Arancini Neri Di Baccala, a salted cod black arancini with asparagus mayonnaise and a battered sage leaf paired with a white Timorasso, a delicate floral wine which pairs perfectly with fish.
For me, this dish was a very unique fine dining spin on the beloved British staple, fish and chips, but of course with a fabulous Italian twist.
Next, it was onto our main course, and for me, onto the Italian countryside and into a glorious sweeping, sunkissed meadow. The first main dish we tried was a Risotto, made with PDO Carnaroli rice, courgettes, PDO burrata and caviar paired with a white Nascetta, Arneis, quite possibly my new favourite white wine of all time. The dish itself was a delicate mix of spring vegetables, the creamy burrata lightened the flavour allowing the flavour of the caviar to cut through beautifully.
When our pasta dish arrived, I felt as though I had moved slightly out of the country, and into a traditional Italian rustic village. The Ravioli Ripiendi Di Mortadella consisted of Mortadella, an Italian sausage filled ravioli with a rich and creamy PDO pecorino sauce, topped with pistachios. This was paired with a beautiful rich red wine, the Nebbiolo Arenos, Ruche’.
As the savoury part of our evening came to a close, we were served Chef Valentina’s signature lemon and almond frangipane with basil flavoured cream. This was paired with a sweet dessert wine, the Passito Dus. For me, this dish was one of my favourites. The basil cream was bursting with such an intense flavour, it really transformed the taste of the frangipane.
To end the evening, our final dish was a Bunet, Piedmont’s traditional cocoa and Amaretti cold pudding. This was served with a Barolo Chinato, a rich and creamy dessert wine bursting with spices. The Bunet was very similar to that of a crème caramel, but with a less sweet, richer cocoa taste.
All in all, we had a truly memorable experience. It is clear that such thought and precision has gone into each and every element of the dishes that had been served. The marriage between the food and wine, perfectly represents that of Valentina and Fabrizio. Balanced, thoughtful and a match made in heaven.
To book a table at Da Noi Chester and to check out their full menu, click here.