Surprise of the day, week, year… well life actually as I’ve never been.
I saw a lovely event menu in November and completely forgot about it until I received a reminder email from Restaurant manager Francesca De Falco…it was a couple of night’s notice but I thought, yes I’m game – I want to try this out. Do you know what? I’m glad I did as I’ll definitely be back….
The Parcs restaurant is situated in Peterborough College and gives the students the chance to work and gain real-life experience. My expectations were not high and the menu sounded good as it was an Italian themed evening, so here we are.
The room was set out very nicely with a complete mix of tables from 2 to 12. And, it was full! Music played in the background as we were shown to our seat by Francesca. We were immediately asked if we wanted water and brought Amuse Bouche to the table.
Our orders were taken and it wasn’t long before our starters arrived. Antipasti of Italian meats and rocket salad with olives and pesto dressing – lovely and fresh & stylishly presented. Fried calamari in garlic oil with toasted ciabatta – a very tasty warm starter.
Our mains were both the focaccia crumbed fillet of pork escalope with potato gnocchi and vine tomato sauce – this dish had very tender thinly sliced meat with an abundance of light cooked vegetables on the side, very well cooked and a good quality dish. A guest nearby had the pan-fried seabass fillets with capers on a seafood spinach tagliatelle – which looked lovely.
The dessert was a delicious trio of tiramisu with a wonderful chocolate shard on top, a delicate orange panna cotta and a cantucci biscotti with coffee ice cream sitting on an almond crumb – so nicely presented and yes, absolutely delicious. My husband, due to being diabetic, was pleasantly accommodated with a large selection of cheese and biscuits (so he was happy).
I had a chat with both Francesca and Ellie from the college team explaining that these particular students tonight we’re only on their level 1 and their first time serving. It gives them the chance to work the room whether they are training as serving staff, kitchen staff or as a chef. Any students who served us were very pleasant and seemed to be enjoying the evening. Thanks go out to those who did the cooking and creating of desserts. Bravo. No complaints.
The meal was finished off with an offering of coffee and a few casino chips so that we could go into the lobby and have a game on the roulette or blackjack table. We didn’t win, but enjoyed the entertainment which was a nice finality to the evening.
The Parcs restaurant doesn’t only do themed evenings, but is open on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for lunch and at the moment they have a fabulous offer of 3 courses plus tea or coffee at just £10!! In the photos you’ll see some examples of their lunch menus which sound delicious. I will definitely be going back to one of their 12 o’clock sittings during the week. The food is of a high quality and well worth what you pay.
For more info visit: www.peterborough.ac.uk/parcs-restaurant and if you go go, let Ellie or Francesca know you saw our article.
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