Zizzi is quite a culinary cathedral
SO, on a balmy June night, I found myself in Durham on the evening of the Rod Stewart Rod gig at the Riverside in Chester-le-Street. Before we went to boogie at the Emirates we sampled an early-bird meal at Zizzi.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Zizzi opened in the cathedral city some six years ago and offers a combination of both modern and classic Italian dishes prepared in an open kitchen in full view of diners.
We entered via small bar and managed to grab one of the last tables. Like most Zizzis, the kitchen is on display right in the centre of the ground floor of the restaurant.
As is in keeping with a modern eaterie, there were family groups aplenty. There is a lower floor, which has views down to the River Wear.
We ate on the ground floor, however, with a view of the tourists and fellow Rod Stewart fans wandering through Durham.
The surroundings are very inviting. With its dark tables, specials boards and low lighting, Zizzi is a textbook Italian restaurant.
The clientele was mixed. There were mums and dads treating their children, ladies who lunch, a hen party and grandparents out with their families.
WHAT WE HAD FOR STARTERS
Zizzi offers a vast array of starters, ranging from mixed olives (£2.95) to fonduata formaggi (£6.25) – a melting pot of gorgonzola, gruyère and pecorino cheese. There are loads vegetarian options too.
Shortly after each receiving our glass of prosecco (£4.95), our first courses arrived from the bustling kitchen. For starters we opted for melted mozarella and pepper pesto crocchettes (£5.95). They were described as a delight of “crispy breadcrumb-coated crocchette” filled with fire-roasted peppers, red pesto and melted mozzarella, served with creamy red pesto to dip.
They were as delicious as they looked and incredibly moreish.
My guest opted for a special menu (three courses for £15.95) and enjoyed toasted garlic ciabatta topped with a mini mountain of halved cherry tomatoes, red onion and basil, finished off with drizzle of olive oil. A fresh and flavoursome summery starter.