trullo, london

amazing italian in islington. go, go, go.

it was quiet when we went in, which did prompt questions of “why did I need to book two weeks in advance?”, but which was quickly answered with the restaurant filling up rapidly by 7.

slightly tough (poilane?) sourdough to start which was unremarkable and a little concerning, but straight after came the pappardelle in beef shin ragu which was dreamy. rich and full of cow but still light on the palette without the greasiness you sometimes associate with that level of taste. then quail with a side of al-dente barley perked up with grapes. the taste was very good, all gamey and moist but I think the small bones are more effort than worth. (at least it wasn’t a first date scenario where I’d have to pretend to be dainty, thank god).

mains of pork chop with some sort of sweet-ish mash and polenta which was very nice in its entirety, as well as mackerel with a sweet pepper + garbanzo bean side that was very boney. good homey flavours here.

BUT the thing to write home about (besides the ragu) is the pannacotta. creamy in a how-does-it-stay-upright sort of way with a bitter caramel that soothed our too-satiated appetites and counteracted the richness. not that richness is a bad thing.

this has got to be one of my favourite meals this year, I’m officially a fan.