~ Chic atmosphere ~
Revisiting some favourite places we dined at after the passing of the recent bad weather has become part of our PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) therapy. Thankfully as these places open and we try them out, we get the same good feelings we had before. Going to Izi is one such experience that we are happy to relate.
A wonderful friend is leaving; he has been a stalwart on the island but the time has come (as the walrus said) for him to move on to greater things. We planned an evening together and duly arrived at the appointed time to be met by such a wonderful, warm and teasing greeting from the wait staff. These delightful people were decked out, as usual, in black and white with a touch of cheerful, bright red uniforms. The whole restaurant has the bright cheerful splash on red in the cool white interior. The overall effect is one of cool chic!
We were offered a table and settled down to chat. There were some interesting menu options like create your own pasta, the regular menu, a specials menu as well as the dessert menu. We each ordered our meal. Our first order came with the house-offered amuse bouche. We had ordered a tomato bruschetta and some eggplant on the side. Typically Italian, the bruschetta was tasty, the eggplant thinly shaved and grilled. The amuse Bouche was an olive tapenade with melba toasts and olive oil – all very satisfying, to say the least.
The buzz in Izi the evening we went was great: People laughing, eating, leaving and new diners arriving. Service was quick, another glass of wine all round and our main courses came to the table. Between us, we had the lasagne, veal and a very good cheese salad. The lasagne was a good sized portion and very tasty, the salad was just what the doctor ordered. The veal was excellent; the cutlet came adorned with arugula and cherry tomatoes and a side of homemade gnocchi in a delightful tomato sauce. A server came around offering fresh grated parmesan and fresh ground black pepper. Of course, I said yes! A good heavy sprinkling of both gave the gnocchi a bit of a kick – nothing else would have suited the moment – it was very mouth-watering.
Another round of wine and we were completely satiated; we simply could not order dessert. The menu offers some delicious choices but that night we could not indulge anymore. During the course of the evening, we enjoyed a couple of celebrations at other tables – the lights would go low as wait-staffers come out clapping, the music would change and a spouting sparkler set in a dessert would be placed before the guest. It was all very warming and everyone clapped.
Izi is really a great place for a cosy dinner for two or a big party or family evening out. With tables inside and on the veranda and a menu that is always of the same good standard, cheerful, welcoming staff, Izi rates tops for us all.
