Help Symposium help you! While we are in lockdown Symposium is running a delivery service. Check their website for updates on what they have available for delivery. Food, wine, bread, cheese and charcuterie are all available. Your EEK offer is currently unavailable but if your are NHS staff you can get 20% off.
We’re going to let you in on a little secret. There’s a lovely little understated bistro on Roman Rd called Symposium. And understated though it may be, if you happen to dine there you’ll be blown away by big flavours, clever details and a great wine list.
Primi
Their seasonal menu is considered with many tempting dishes we’re familiar with and some that will pique your curiosity. It can be tricky to choose! After some deliberation we decided to start with Pan Seared Scallops and Braised Beef Cheeks and for Fin, some olives.
Federico, the Roman on the Roman, and sous chef Edoardo from Tuscany went to work. The kitchen is open which gave us a chance to show Fin what goes on behind the scenes. He was very impressed with a theatrical burst of flames and despite being very busy they had plenty of smiles for us.
A request for wine pairings was happily accommodated by Patrick who took our palate on a journey through Italy.
A 2015 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi was a crisp partner to the scallops. They arrived nestled on a bed of pumpkin cream cozied up with some pickled red onions. A fine balance of sweet and sharp allowing the fresh taste of succulent scallop to take centre stage.
Braised beef cheeks in a red wine reduction melted well with the 2012 Chianti Classico Fattoia di Corsignano. While the bold liquorice flavours of accompanying fennel made a sweet melody with the earthy chickpea cream.
Fin enjoyed his olives and ate them all up.
Secondi
Inspired by Fin’s love for pasta we all chose a different pasta dish for our main course.
The Tonnarelli with Red Mullet was like pure sunshine. A nutty pistachio crumb brought harmony to the fresh zest of lime buttered mullet and played nicely with a bright citrussy 2015 Grillo Casematte. Lifting right off the plate with a cheeky scatter of micro lemon balm.
The Bigoli Pasta with White Duck Ragu and parmesan crumble was rich with umami gravy like a great big warm, cheesy hug. Wonderfully paired with the cherry flavours of the 2014 Peppino Viglianti. Who doesn’t love a parmesan crisp?
Fin thought his Tagliatelle with Ragu Bolognese was REALLY YUMMY!
Dolce
Dessert was also divine. A pretty little creamy pannacotta with pistachio crumb brought our meal to a clean close alongside a delightfully presented reconstructed baked apple filled with refreshing grappa and blueberry sorbet on a hazelnut crumb.
A wonderful ending to a perfect meal!
Symposium won’t remain a secret for much longer and it’s a small restaurant. Make sure to pay a visit and take advantage of your THMs offer soon.
Further Information:
W: https://www.symposiumlondon.co.uk/
Where: Symposium, 363 Roman road, E3 5QR
Contact: 0208 981 8509 or info@symposiumlondon.co.uk
