Eating Food wasn’t the only star of our night

I AM open to trying most things but, I must admit, Italian food is the way to my heart.

I am a bit of a nut when it comes to eating all things pasta, risotto and pizza, I can’t get enough of the stuff.

And it doesn’t stop there – olives, wine, cheese, meats and desserts. If it’s from Italy, I’ll probably like it.

Whether I’m actually any good at cooking it is another thing altogether and not for me to say. Which is why, sometimes, it’s nice to treat yourself and a willing onlooker to a meal out and let the professionals take care of business.

And, from what I’d heard prior to sampling their dishes myself, Italian cuisine in Dundee doesn’t come much better or more authentic than at Don Michele.

Situated on Perth Road in the West End and owned by former Dundee Stars player Paddy Lochi, the family-run restaurant started out with just five tables and has only grown slightly since.

Cosy and welcoming, with traditional decor of framed pictures of Italian icons adorning the walls, the scene was nicely set for a fine evening.

Such was my giddiness at being in this sort of environment, a couple of glasses of house red wine (£16.95 for the bottle) were swiftly necked and, well, we forgot to actually order starters.

A disappointing and self-inflicted opener from us but, oblivious to the error, imagine our confusion when the waiter brought out our main course orders right away.

Not to worry, though, because everything looked and smelled sublime.

In an attempt to try something slightly different from the usual pasta or spaghetti fare, I’d opted for the special gnocchi dish (£15.95).

With boiled potatobased balls of pasta, glistening in a creamy sauce and laced with wild mushrooms, it was a delight. It was also vegetarian and, if not for the cream, was surely somewhat healthy?

Moreover, it was very garlicky, but I like that, so no complaints here.

My accomplice for the evening opted for