Review of La Rucola, Denham, Middx

http://www.larucola.co.uk/

We visited on 10th May 2007 to celebrate mine and my dads birthday and had a great time. The pictures on their website do not really do it any justice!

The location is slightly odd and unless you have been recommended (like us) you would not even know it was there! However once inside, it is a large restaurant, tastefully decorated and good lighting, the tables are nicely spaced out and there is plenty of room on the tables.

Service was impecable from start to finish, attentive when needed and occasional casual walks by the waiter past our table ensured we had everything we required.

Dad chose a white wine to start from Tuscany, which I believe was the 'VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMGNANO - Teruzzi e Puthod'. Very enjoyable, dry and with the tang of similar Pinot Grigio type of grape but nicer! Did end up having two bottles at £18 each, which was quite reasonable I thought.

The menu had plenty of choices, including seafood and various meats.

I chose to start:

Crespelle Di Vitella E Parmigiano Gratinate
a fresh mince of veal with parmesan wrapped in pancakes, baked au gratin

Was yummy and the sauce was gorgeous and tomatoey!

Main:
Branzino Grigliato Al Rosmarino
grilled seabass with olive oil and rosemary

The seabass came out whole but luckily the waiter offered to fillet it for me! was lovely and tender and despite smelling of the rosemary it was only very slightly scented and delicious

To go with the mains they bought out perfect home made large potato wedges, green beans, broccoli and carrots - and the most delish courgettes! They were cut into 'chips' then coated in a very light salty batter and deep fried, we polished the bowl of in seconds! Highly recommended!

Rest of the group ordered:

Starters:

Calamari Saltati
sauteed baby squid

Proscuitto Di Parma Con Melone
thin slices of Parma ham with melon slices

Carpaccio Di Tonno
thin slices of smoked tuna on a bed of rocket salad with pine kernels

Mains were:

Bistecca Di Manzo Al Pepe Nero
sirloin steak in a black pepper sauce

Costolette Di Agnello Alle Erbe Di Rosmarino
lamb cutlets with a fresh rosemary sauce

Battuta Di Vitello Paillard
tender grilled veal scallop sprinkled with a light olive oil dressing

All were lovely!

Desserts were great as well, they had a sweet trolley which made me drool! I had the tiramisu, lovely and light

Also ordered was fresh cappuchino cake mmmmm, amaretto cake that was lush and a passionfruit and carrot cake which was yummy

Came to £165 for four of us, which is a little expensive but considering what we had and the great service was happy to pay.