Enjoy a taste of Italy in the heart of Uppingham on 25th July
Diners will have a chance to enjoy a ‘taste of Sicily’ on July 25 at No. 23 in Uppingham.
The themed evening is one of a series of events the popular restaurant is organising, taking customers “around the world in food and wine”.
Visitors will enjoy a four-course meal of bolognaise arancini; baked cod and aubergine caponata; parmesan-breaded lamb cutlets with tossed greens, pine nuts, chilli and mint; and a pistachio cannoli with pistachio gelato.
Carefully chosen wines which pair perfectly with each dish will be served – three of which come from Tasca d’Almerita vineyards spanning the breadth of Sicily and beyond.
Evie Sillett, general manager at No 23, says the evening will embody the spirit of the restaurant which opened in 2022 promising Mediterranean-inspired dishes while championing local ingredients.
“We want to give diners the chance to experience new dishes and new tastes, but we also want to hero local ingredients, as we believe passionately in sustainability, seasonality and freshness,” says Evie, who grew up in Rutland.
“We have our own farm at Great Easton where we rear lamb, beef and pork on the lush pastures of the Welland Valley to supply us and our sister venues, which include The Nevill Arms in Medbourne and The Sun Inn at Great Easton,” adds Evie.
Ken Marshall from leading wine suppliers, Berkmann Wine Cellars, will be on-hand to talk guests through the drinks served with each course.
“People in the UK have always been enthusiastic and adventurous about trying new wines, but we all can be tempted at times to stick to more established options, so this is a chance to try something new and explore the wider world,” he says.
“The Tasca d’Almerita winery is 200 years and the family who runs it has a real passion for reviving ancient grape varieties in tandem with experimentation.”
A Ghiaia Nera Nerello Mascalese will be served with the lamb – a ruby-coloured red with aromas of fruit, flowers and leather. “This is an amazing grape that not many people have heard of, but the palate is fluid and silky, with an appetising mineral quality,” explains Ken. “The taste gives a real sense of where it’s grown – on volcanic sediment 600 metres above sea level.”
Previous themed nights at No. 23 have included events focused on France, Portugal, Spain and The Alps.
“They’re a chance to have an adventure through food and wine – and really fit with our vision of offering modern contemporary food featuring top-quality ingredients,” adds Evie.
“Uppingham is a beautiful and buzzing town which is establishing itself as a centre of food excellence and culture for Rutland, Leicestershire and the neighbouring counties.
“No. 23 has become a destination for diners, but we want to be strongly embedded in the community so, alongside the more premium offers, we have a range of accessibly-priced items on the menu – such as our popular Friday lunchtime £5 pasta dish.”
As well as special events and offers, No. 23 has also become a popular choice for ‘reasonably-priced roasts’, two-for-one cocktails and is available for private hire for special occasions such as weddings or birthdays.
* Booking is required for the July 25 Sicilian Night, so please reserve your place by calling 01572 303023.
