Crawley's classy Italian restaurant

Above: Gallucci's way

Sussex Life

ITALIAN cuisine is often used as a safe haven – a predictable place where pizza and pasta can please even the fussiest of palettes for a tentative first date or birthday celebration. Expectations cower in the dependable realms of margaritas and spaghetti carbonaras.

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Thankfully neither of these ready-meal favourites resides on the menu at Gallucci. Instead, Chef Omero Gallucci serves up interesting ideas with a touch of class.

First impressions, strolling through the lavish open foyer past scattered leatherbacked sofas, were pleasant and we were seated at a far window.

Unfortunately, it overlooked the rather unflattering vista of the Arora International Hotel’s car park but that couldn’t be helped.

Sophisticated décor created a relaxed setting with enough space for intimate twosomes to enjoy privacy alongside
larger groups.

Music from a Stevie Wonder-sort seemed a bizarre choice for an otherwise, authentic Italian ambiance but it didn’t seem to bother the casually dressed clientele.

Gallucci, who sources nearly all of his ingredients from Italy, prepared a special taster to showcase his mullet and dill risotto.

Judging by its presentation, which toyed with strands of caramelised orange and half a char-grilled baby tomato, he understood that appetite began with the eyes. Tips from the trade

The amount of dill was somewhat daunting and initially overpowering but chillies gave an enjoyable edge to the risotto. He claimed the secret was to keep stirring the risotto in the same direction to avoid breaking up the starch – a good tip for would-be master chefs.

Attentive staff ensure glasses are never empty and a selection of mouthwatering breads, ranging from garlic to raisin, are regularly offered to soak up olive oil and balsamic vinegar while waiting for the following course.

Salmon pate to start came in two forms, one made with smoked salmon and the other with hot smoked salmon, on warm grilled artisan bread.

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