Monday, January 31, 2011

FICO VINO BAR.


Our little secret. x

FACE LIFT.

Now that il baretto is approaching adolescence (12 years old) it's time we revised it's appearance fittingly and what better way to achieve this then a few injections of botox. We've got a couple of surprises in store for this year. Stay posted! x



SOMETHING SPECIAL.

Our lunchtime specials this week include Spaghetti with anchovies, capers, chilli, garlic, parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan. This pasta is olive oil based making it simple, light and perfect for our hot Sydney weather.

Gnocchi with Stracchino cheese, parmesan, burnt butter and sage.
Don't be put off by the copious amount of dairy, this dish is surprisingly light and smooth on the taste buds. For all the gnocchi lovers out there, I highly recommend coming in for a taste. This truly is something special.

x


CYCLE OR PSYCHO?

Surry Hills isn't what it used to be. I remember the days when the ambulance would pull up in front of the Carrington Hotel most mornings and the local drag queens would line the street. Although I was only a mere 10 years old I still loved Surry Hills even more for the fact that it was so eccentric and different to any other area in the city. 12 years on and 10 thousand pregnant women later Surry Hills is definitely a lot more conservative these days and due to the increasingly heavy influx of people to the area it has resulted in new restaurants, cafes, bars, clothing boutiqes and now a cycle path. In theory the idea of this new cycle path is great. It means less cars on the road and less pollution. But with the loss of parking, the slow pace at which the works are being carried out and the new one way direction of Bourke St it seems almost impossible for people to access the area, resulting in the demise of independant local businesses. So my question to you is... cycle or psycho?


x

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

LUNCHTIME.

Our lunchtime specials this week include a tomato based risotto made with baby prawns, calamari and peas. New to the specials menu this dish is to die
for. We've also brought back an oldie but a goodie, the Tuna Arrabbiata! With your choice of spaghetti or penne this dish is a spicy, tomato based pasta made with tuna, spanish onion, capers, and chilli.

Lunchtime at il baretto is a favourite amongst locals and regulars. We pride ourselves on having delicious food at reasonable prices, something we believe makes us stand out from the rest. Although we only trade from 12-3 it's definitely worth dropping by for a quick pork and fennel sausage panino or a chicken salad. As most of you know we don't take bookings in the evenings but if you'd like to reserve a table for lunch we'd be more then happy to accommodate you.

x

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

WHAT'S PLAYING.

This week's top 5 on the il baretto playlist:

Howling Bells
"Setting Sun"

Sister Jane
"I feel a change a comin'"

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
"Red Right Hand"

America
"The Rainbow Song"

Chairlift
"Garbage"

AUDREY.


Little Audrey is an il baretto favourite. Not only is she the cutest munchkin in the neighbourhood but she LOVES eating pasta whether it be Spaghetti Vongole, Carbonara or Bolognese. Tonight she came dressed in her pink tutu as a ballerina, on other occasions she's been a bumble bee or a fairy. Tonight Audrey had the Penne Bolognese.


x

Saturday, January 15, 2011

TIME TO PASTA.

A few of my favourites.

Spaghetti alle Vongole
Gnocchi Gorgonzola
Parpadelle with Duck Ragu
Risotto Pesto Pollo
Spaghetti Carbonara
Homemade Beef Lasanga
Gnocchi Bolognese
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
x

FULL HOUSE.

It's nice to be welcomed back on a Saturday night with a full house and the very patient people that wait endless hours for a table at il baretto. Tonight in particular was extremely hot so massive props to our chefs and waiters for producing excellent food and great service!





Our two head chefs (Dirk & Tim) working hard in the hot, hot heat.

Gabriella Fedeli aka The Don.

x

Friday, January 14, 2011

WELCOME TO LA FAMIGLIA.

Goodbye chocolate & mint mousse... Hello semifreddo! We've got a new dessert in the house folks. After 2 long years of having chocolate & mint mousse on the menu, we've finally decided to replace it with an exciting new praline semifreddo.

It's creamy, icy and crunchy.


But we still love our vanilla bean pannacotta with caramelised red wine sauce...

And our delicious Tiramisu!

x


A SPECIAL START TO THE YEAR.

Happy New Year!


The team at il baretto are glad to be back and we're ready for another year. bring on 2011!
Yesterday was our first shift back and it was a great night. Good to see all our regulars again and some new faces as well. After 12 years of trading we've decided to create a blog for our fans to follow and to keep you all updated with everything that goes on in the wonderful world of pasta goodness that is il baretto. Enjoy x

This week on the specials menu:


Grilled Pecorino style cheese (Cow's milk) with toasted walnuts and drizzled with honey. Amazing!

The Vitello Tonnato is another winner for those who haven't tried it yet it's very thinly sliced pieces of poached veal which are placed on top of a spread of tuna and caper mayonaise and finished with fresh caper berries. Delicious!


"Mezze Maniche" translated as "half sleeves" is similar to a Rigatone but half the size. Think a short tube pasta. It's cooked in chilli, garlic, white wine, fresh diced tomatoes and a hint of napoli sauce. With the baby prawns and muscles this is a lovely summer pasta and a great way to start the new year.


Our favourite "saltimbocca" meaning "to jump in the mouth". Thin pieces of veal lightly panfried in olive oil and white wine with prosciutto and sage. Served with our famous roasted garlic potatoes.


Looking forward to seeing you all soon! x