FOOD: Gusto da Gianni

  (Image: @GustoGianni)

Gusto – da Gianni

26 Newland Ave, Hull HU5 3AF
01482 446261

Having eaten at Da Gianni on Princes Avenue on numerous occasions, I immediately fell head over heels with the intimate, rustic feel of Hull’s finest Italian (in my opinion). Therefore, I was a mixture of excitement and scepticism before walking into Gusto.

Inadvertently I played with the notion that Gusto would try to mirror almost everything about Da Gianni – after all it is fantastically popular in the surrounding area so why not?

I do however personally prefer an injection creativity and uniqueness when I venture to a restaurant for the very first time. Luckily I was not disappointed to say the least.

Although you may scrunch your nose at the suggestion that Italian restaurants can remain individual from time to time; as you could quite rightly argue that the food is by and large extremely similar, along with the decor and overall ambience.

The times I have left an Italian eatery, with the sound of Dean Martin’s ‘That’s Amore’ ringing in my ears is quite concerning – a subtle hint to all budding Italian restaurants, this is not a good image to uphold. Thankfully, this time my ears were spared.

On entering an all be it small, slim and almost over crowded converted terrace house, I was pleasantly surprised by the authentic layout. With bare brick walls, methodically cluttered tables and dim lit lights towering the walls laddered with bottles of wine and paintings it simply reeked of Italy.

This is a far cry from your typical pizzeria and it without doubt light years ahead of Frankie and Benny’s (if you can even call that an Italian).

I was sure that the menu would of course cover the staples, the pizzas, pastas, carne and pesce with a touch of flair and a sprinkling of black pepper. Gusto most certainly did, or at least it looked so at a glance; as I studied the plates leaving the kitchen from the back of the restaurant.

Wafts of garlic, tomato and the usual Italian aromas lured me towards a classic dish when scanning the menu; however those who accompanied me wavered slightly and were caught by the specials board…

THE FOOD

With a large selection of pastas and pizzas I was at first tempted to opt for either or, however I made the impulse decision and pointed towards the ‘Risotto Fruiti di Mare’ following the waiters’ polite approach – a mixed seafood risotto for those who don’t speak the lingo.

Elsewhere on my table; a tomato and pesto garlic bread to start, followed by ‘Tagliatelle Mare e Monti’ (mushrooms, courgettes and luxury prawns in a cream sauce), a ‘Pizza Salsiccia, Funghi e Gorgonzola’ and another seafood risotto, as well as a dish off the specials board.

All but one of the selected plates delivered in both style and taste, however surprisingly it was the ‘Pork Tenderloin’ special that failed to live up to expectations.

The dishes off Gusto’s menu were quite honestly beautiful, as my seafood risotto was made fresh (taking around 30 minutes) coating fresh pieces of seafood in a sumptuous ‘pomodoro sauce’.

Often a seafood dish will sport the odd shrimp and muscle amongst either over cooked pasta, or under cooked risotto rice. This dish however, was full with two large king prawns, squid, shrimp and muscles – a more than adequate mix of quality aquatic delights if you ask me.

Away from my seafood medley, the Tagliatelle was again cooked perfectly and coated in a velvety cream sauce, whilst the pizza sat opposite me looked as fresh as could be.

The Pork Tenderloin however, with seasonal vegetables and a lemon sauce left the palette rather puzzled. Not only did the tenderloin look more like a steak, in both size and shape but the citrus sauce was somewhat over powering at first, whilst being slightly lacklustre if that’s even possible?

A special is on the specials board for one reason only, this being quite self explanatory. Yet, out of all the dishes (six mains in total) this was the only one not to hit the high bench mark.

Now, generally speaking I am not one to mix fruit with meat unless it be duck with orange, or perhaps Christmas turkey with cranberries – and sadly after Gusto’s pork special, I doubt my mixing of fruits and meats will expand to much more than these two classics.

Rather disappointing, but overall an extremely pleasant meal and outing all the same.

Prices of both food and wine are on Gusto’s menu in the link below. Not only is this an extensively brilliant menu, but the prices are by no means extortionate, after the bill on this occasion came to £125 for a table of six.

Having eaten at countless Italians in the surrounding area, I would be surprised if you could find a restaurant to rival the food, feel and overall ambience of Gusto da Gianni in Hull – aside from Da Gianni’s of course.

The way in which this restaurant conducts its business (relaxed, yet extremely attentive) is about as close to the real thing in Italy as you will find in the UK, and it is this alone that will keep this busy place going in my opinion.

I can safely say that I will be returning to Gusto having sampled their food only once since its opening, the entire night was spent in good company surrounded by seemingly happy customers – though I do hope that this was not simply beginner’s luck that contributed to this lovely evening.

http://www.gustodagianni.co.uk/downloads/Gusto-Menu.pdf

FOOD: Caffe Gelato Hull

 (Images – http://www.facebook.com/CaffeGelatoHull) 

92 Newland Avenue, Hull.

Having travelled across Europe and mainland Italy in the summer of 2013, I would say that I have eaten my fair share of quality, authentic ice-cream.

In the UK, an ice-cream van aside a children’s park, or a farmer’s stall offering homemade deliciousness at a summer fair is the best that we Brits can usually muster. However Caffe Gelato has given those in Hull with a sweet-tooth a new day-time and evening hangout.

With a wide variety of treats, cakes and even some savoury snacks the team at Gelato cater for all – whether you pay them a visit for some of their daily homemade sundaes, their experimental sorbets or perhaps for a slice of homemade quiche. You name it, they do it.

The only down-side to this extensive range of flavours and foods is obviously deciding which one to go with. I personally spent a good five minutes trying to whittle it down to two scoops that actually complement each other – but let’s face it, they all taste fantastic whether or not they ultimately mix.

In the end I opted for the ever popular ‘mint choc-chip’ followed by a dollop of their exclusive ‘ferrero roche’ gelato. Two excellent selections if I do say so myself, though I would undoubtedly be singing the same tune regardless of the flavour choice.

Having eaten gelato in places such as Rome and Florence, I have paid some extortionate prices for good ice-cream shall we say. Therefore I was almost expecting the price to be equally as inflated, judging by the high quality of Caffe Gelato’s produce.

I was however pleasantly surprised when I was asked for just £3.50 for an ice-cream that really was worth every penny. This was washed down with a fresh coffee, for an equally reasonable price – although to be brutally honest, I would expect nothing less at a café.

Still, the experience was as pleasant as could be; with a friendly atmosphere, a helpful set of staff and of course, the food that placed the metaphorical cherry on top of an equally sweet cake.

Therefore, I have no doubt whatsoever that this little gem will continue to flourish amidst Newland Avenue’s and Hull’s most successful establishments.

Having driven past Caffe Gelato on numerous occasions, the place never ceases to amaze me with a constant influx of happy diners. Almost every day, dozens of customers can be seen tucking into various Gelato delights whilst soaking up the (sporadic) summer sun outside the busy doors.

This alone indicates not only the high level of food and sweets they have on offer in abundance, but the full package; as the staff, the atmosphere and of course the ultimate drawing point, the value for money means the people of Hull have already warmed to this niche establishment.

Find Caffe Gelato Hull on social media for daytime offers and more information.

Facebook – www.facebook.com/CaffeGelatoHull
Twitter – @CaffeGelatoHull

SPORT: Hull City – Season Review

I thought it best to wait a few weeks before I review Hull City’s disappointing end to what had been, at times an enjoyable season.

And whilst summarising City’s exit from the Premier League, I shall refrain from touching on the dragging issue of the club’s name change – that has gone far enough in my opinion.

2014/15

City for the most part performed admirably in England’s top-flight; still this unfortunately could not guarantee them another successive campaign amidst the likes of Chelsea, Man City, United and Arsenal.

After the heroics of last year’s FA Cup rollercoaster, anything but another cup-run in 2014/15 would fall short of a trip to Wembley. But, let’s look at the facts…

Investment had been a theme, this year more than any other on Humberside, luring the likes of Abel Hernandez (the club’s record £11million buy), Mo Diame, Michael Dawson and a number of other ‘marquee’ signings to the KC Stadium.

Of course, some did not work out for whatever reason (Robert Snodgrass and his untimely injury).

But, when you throw around £45million at a club, who have spent little in their entire existence (going by today’s extortionate standards), you expect results to go your way. This evidently did not happen.

Of course, it would be ridiculous to assume that a handful of signings could catapult a club back to a successive FA Cup final. We would never in our wildest dreams believe that this would be possible; however Premier League survival would be one of the boxes ticked at the start of the season…

Now, Steve Bruce is certainly a man with experience at the highest level – both as a player and a manager.

After playing for Manchester United, under the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, it would seem safe to say that a ‘winning mentality’ had being impressed on Bruce.

Still, at times throughout the season admitting that his side had ‘not been good enough’ or ‘unlucky’ not to come away with anything from the game seemed uncharacteristic of City’s boss.

This at first would seem to be a fair or calculated approach to dealing with the press, yet in the dying embers of a season this may have perhaps worked against the moral of his side.

2015/16

The approaching season will no doubt be a means to an end for a club with a taste for the top-flight – though with derbies against Leeds United and a Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town to kick things off, the fans will still be in for an eventful campaign.

Bruce and his squad (of which will no doubt see changes) will be determined to bounce-back in emphatic fashion, having come so close to securing survival.

This will be a tough ask, as fellow Premier League drop outs QPR and Burnley will look to reciprocate their efforts.

But, an example to follow in my opinion, is that of Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, who just the other month stunned the Sky Bet Championship.

Yes, admittedly it is perhaps a different style of football to that of Bruce’s conservative approach; however the carefree ethos that was so infectious about Bournemouth was arguably the most enjoyable part of their game.

The Premier League ‘first-timers’ truly encapsulated the meaning of the beautiful game; with fast, attacking football that was quite simply a joy to watch.

This type of football clearly works, though I’m sure Bruce will try harness this ever so slightly.

Providing Hull City are able to recreate a similar style of football to go with a solidified foundation – with the likes of Michael Dawson committing his future to the City of Culture’s club – then Premier League status may be just around the corner.

The Tigers will however have to fight hard to keep a number of keys players as the pre-season fixture list approaches.

Nikica Jelavic, Robbie Brady and Andrew Robertson are but a few who have been linked with moves away from the KC.

This was of course a given; as the financial climate of the Sky Bet Championship often alarms those who have become accustom to a Premier League salary – though I was confused as to why the likes of Liam Rosenior and Paul McShane were so easily parted from the club’s books.

Having seen the way players come and go in today’s game, keeping two pro’s who are not only experienced Championship players, but who have shown Bruce’s outfit relentless loyalty, would surely be a priority?

If a handful of players, including Robertson and Ahmed El Mohamady were to jump back to the Premier League, the two former Hull defenders would surely be perfect replacements…

Anyway, what’s done is done. After all it is not all doom and gloom for Hull City. Personally, a transition period in the Sky Bet Championship can have a positive effect on a club like Hull.

Being a club with limited, but increasing finances, a promotion could be the defining moment in the next few calendar years for the Tigers.

With a nucleus of top-class players and a reputable manager to keep these characters together, I believe we as fans must trust in Bruce to deliver another successful campaign.

However, signings must be made quickly to counteract the exodus that could follow in the coming weeks, and these must be made not only to tackle this season; but to tackle a possible Premier League return.