FIORENZONI MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE - Chatswood

Well, I guess I might have to eat my words about the lack of good quality eateries in Chatswood. Today I had the pleasure of dining at Fiorenzoni Modern Italian Cuisine with my workmates in honour of our workmate Caro. She is leaving the fold and we were giving her a send off the best way we knew how, good food and good company! Fiorenzoni is a small restaurant on the corner of Victoria Avenue and the Pacific Highway. It is a subtle eatery, with neutral colour scheme and huge historcal Italian sepia prints on the walls. Last time we were here, the orders took an incredibly long time to arrive, but this time, our food was delivered to the table in very good time. Fiorenzoni is a member of the Council of Italian Restaurants Australia and all of their pasta and bread is made daily on the premises. This isn't a cheap eat by any means, the meals are priced according to their quality and content. As such, it is a popular choice for business lunches (Carl Scully and associate were at the next table, and strangely he was in the restaurant when we all went to to Rocket last month, so obviously another fan of local fine dining), it is usually quite full. In our group we started with the Antipasto di Terra $18.90, a variety of cured meats, grilled capsicum, grilled eggplant, olives and Italian cheeses accompanied by the Pane Fatto in Casa (homemade bread with extra virgin olive oil). We didn't have the entrees, and went straight to the Main menu. My choice was the Smoked Eggplant Gnocchi with butter, sage and tomato $26.90. I have never attempted to make Gnocchi, and don't really like the store-bought variety so if it is ever on the menu, I usually pick it. I love a good gnocchi and the subtle flavour of this was nice, but on seeing the other choices at the table, I think I could have been tempted with the Ravioli over the Gnocchi this time. The Ravioli was spectacular! The one large pocket was filled with Ricotta Spinach and Pine nuts and was presented on a bowl of steamed Duck Breast $27.90. I think this was my pick of the day. I was waivering at order stage, and reverted to the Gnocchi, but in hindsight, I wish I had gone with the duck. Never mind, there is always NEXT TIME. Others in the party had the Fettuccini with baby Calamari, braised Zucchini and sweet Basil which looked beautiful in its presentation $26.90. Minni enjoyed the Risotto with Cream, Basil, Cherry Tomatoes and Goat Cheese $26.90 while at the far end of the table, Julie was presented with the Risotto of mixed Shellfish, Calamari and King Prawn with Saffron and Tomatoes $28.90. Both are made from scratch and both took 20 minutes, which went in a jot while we were all catching up and chatting. Our guest of honour Caro, had the hugest meal of the day, the Veal Tenderloin with Procioutto Sage and crispy Potatoes $31.90. This was presented on a huge glass plate and the potatoes were so thinly sliced, they looked delicious. Sally had the Fish of the Day which was an Ocean Trout on a bed of steamed asparagus. I had a little taste of this and the skin was crispy, flesh was moist and succulent, great flavour! All was accompanied with some delicious mixed salad and san pellegrino. After mains, we were a bit too full to have a dessert each, but decided to all share a mixed plate of desserts for $26.90. This included some impeccable flavours and included the Coconut Creme Brulee served with Pineapple Sorbet and Rum Mousse (my favourite), Sponge Cake with Pastry Cream, Wild Strawberries and Chocolate Gelato (a big heavy but fabulous flavour), Lime Semifreddo with Orange and Saffron coulis and Almond croccantino (SPECTACULAR zingyness) and a Watermelon Sorbet all persented on a long narrow white plate. With a few coffees, this was the perfect ending to the fantastic meal. Fiorenzoni can be found at Shop 1, 809 Pacific Highay (Cnr Victoria Avenue) Chatswood 9419 6411. http://www.fiorenzoni.com.au/. Let chef Mario treat you to fine Italian food, you won't be sorry. Happi Eating!