Dishes inspired by cuisine from across Europe are tempting first customers to a new Newcastle restaurant which has sustainability at its heart and a firm focus upon quality seasonal ingredients.
Mediterranean-style bistro Lovage has now opened its doors in the former home of Italian restaurant Sale Pepe in Jesmond and for Kleo Tabuku - who is part-owner as well as chef - its concept will be all about cooking from the heart. The Albanian-born talent is out to recreate the food he knew and loved as a child and it seems that customers are in for a treat.
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Seasonal local produce is to be a main feature of the menu and among the dishes on offer is calamari in chickpea and garden fennel pollen batter; cumin and spinach fritters with minted yoghurt; and spiced local lamb koftas. Other treats include sustainable cod with Savoy cabbage, mussels and fish cream; salt-aged flat iron steak and gnocchi with smoked duck, ricotta and pears.
And the lovage - the plant and herb - which inspires the bistro's name can be found as an ingredient in such dishes as crispy sardines, where it's used in the accompanying mayonnaise, and lovage pappardelle where it becomes the star of the show. Kleo has long wanted to open his own restaurant.
After more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, including at Jesmond Dene House and Wynyard Hall, this new venture - launched in partnership with Northumberland Pub Company, whose pubs include The Blackbird in Ponteland - is his opportunity to take centre stage.
“It’s fantastic that we are finally open and we are all very excited about showcasing the food to our diners,” he said. “It’s the kind of food I grew up with and what I like to cook, using the very best local produce we can find so that everything is as fresh as possible."
Desserts too are set to offer something different, with a touch of Mediterranean flair in the the likes of pistachio Tiramisu and roasted black figs with honey, mascarpone and Prato biscotti. “We can’t wait for people to come along and experience it for themselves," said Kleo.
Many dishes are gluten-free and there is also a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Drink choices include wine, local beers and home-made 'garden cocktails'. The bistro also will offer a traditional Sunday lunch menu costing two courses for £28 or three for £32.
Lovage will be open from noon daily except Monday and Tuesday until 3pm then from 5pm until closing time (except Sundays) with last orders for food being 9pm. For further details see here.
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