Food feedback
Published: 15 October, 2008
For years Bristol city centre has languished behind other cities in the UK, but with the opening of Cabot Circus, The Bristol Alliance has, at a stroke, created a vibrant and compelling retail and foodservice heart to the city.
Having spent the week up to opening working with my colleagues at Coverpoint in readying the foodservice operators for trade, it was with a great sense of pride that Mrs D joined me on Saturday night, September 27, at Piccolino. It is only as a paying consumer that you begin to realise the investment and attention to detail that has gone into the unit. The fit out is stylish, well conceived and expensive!
We shared a plate of antipasto misto and then veal milanese with vine tomato salad. Both courses were presented beautifully. Service was stunning, attentive and unobtrusive. We followed with affogato (a coffee and ice cream delight) and tiramisu, served with coffee and a glass of excellent moscato. The bill, with wine, came to just over £100, but it was worth every penny.
Could this really be a restaurant in a 'shopping centre'? Yes and no. Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars are as different from a traditional 'white box' shopping centre as Piccolino is from the usual shopping centre fast food offer. However, having watched the masses of people in the development for three days I have seen the future and this project has again redefined the way we use our city centres.
The public loved it. Only time will tell if it trades successfully, but the opening week figures were way in excess of even our expectations. As one of the finest offers in a shopping centre, more reminiscent of Cecconis than shopping centre food, Piccolino was truly outstanding. I can be very critical, but I am a shy retiring flower compared to Mrs D. She was bowled over and for that reason alone, I am delighted to award maximum points this month!
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