I could possibly be the fussiest person I know when it comes to eating Italian food and for that reason I rarely bother electing Italian fare when I’m going out for dinner. I have one of those temperamental stomachs that rejects rich, creamy, onion and garlic infused sauces and I often find pasta dishes very ‘just so’.
When it comes to Italian flavours, one place I do get excited over though is Pane e Vino in the city.
Pane e Vino is well known to most inner city dwellers; it’s centrally located in the CBD and is one of those places you can pop into for a quick coffee or glass of wine, or you can settle in for a hearty meal. Perched on the corner of Albert and Charlotte Streets, Pane’s alfresco area makes for a great people watching spot and the split level indoor area has a constant bustle to it. It’s a very casual yet authentic venue – the staff are vibrant, relaxed and mostly Italian.
The menu has always appealed to me here, although I rarely explore the variety as I have my favourite and I like to stick to it. My most recent trip was no different. My two companions had never been to Pane e Vino before and as I had recommended it highly to them, I hoped it would live up to wrap I’d been giving it.
It was very busy for 6pm on a Wednesday, but as soon as we were seated, our drinks and starters orders were attended to. We chose to share the mixed bread starter, which comprised of garlic bread, tomato bruschetta and a marinated eggplant, prosciutto and mushroom bruschetta. Yum. All very tasty and grilled to perfection.
My standard choice for the main dish is the spaghetti con gamberi – a light, spicy mix of chilli and garlic infused linguini with a generous helping of king prawns. It didn’t fail to impress on this occasion and my companion S who also chose this dish on my recommendation was quick to give it the thumbs up. Our lips were left with a slight burning sensation as the chilli fumes made their mark, but it wasn’t overpowering and it was worth it for the beautiful flavour that this dish carries.
DP chose the ravioli funghi (which looked too rich and creamy for my liking) and with his cast iron gut, he devoured it before I had a chance to sneak a cheeky taste. It had a rich pesto aroma and if the mess he left on the table was anything to go by, I’d say he enjoyed it.
Our meals were accompanied by a bottle of Wild Goose sav blanc and the crisp, light, fruity flavour of this wine was perfect with my linguini. The menu also boasts typical Italian dishes such as varied adaptations of gnocchi, fettuccine and ravioli, as well as veal scaloppini, steaks and salads – a plethora of choices to suit any appetite.
The dessert options were plentiful but I was craving something simple, so went with the mango sorbet. A generous scoop of light and creamy sorbet was served and the not too big but not too small portion was perfect after quite a substantial meal. DP ordered the blueberry baked cheesecake upon my persuasion – it was presented beautifully with a crisp white chocolate dollop and a large scoop of boysenberry ice cream. He was impressed and once again inhaled his meal with consummate ease.
The service at Pane e Vino is prompt so if you’re time deprived be assured you’ll get in and out with no delays. The prices are fair and the helpings are very generous and with flavours to come back for I’d recommend a visit to Pane e Vino for even the fussiest of Italian food critics.
Pane e Vino, 124 Albert St, Brisbane +61 7 3220 0044
I ate at Pane e Vino years ago and really liked it – I had this lovely tapas plate. Good to hear they’re still going strong!
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| April 13, 2010, 3:04 pm