I really should have taken pictures of my lunch at Crieff Hydro, as the casserole of lamb shoulder really was excellent. But some days, I need to keep my work head on, particularly when I’m doing a little turn in front of a paying audience, so I tender my humble apologies.
Interior
On my road home, I stopped in Stirling and found myself highly desirous of hearty Italian fare. After a small wander, I ended up in Italia Nostra, a little place on Baker Street.
Once I’d finished the air saxophone solo from the Gerry Rafferty classic, I stepped in to the welcoming confines. The place was of the classic Italian variety. It’s a layout that you’ll find in many places, in many towns.
Tortellini in brodo
The cheery and ever helpful waitress showed me to a spacious table, and left me to contemplate the large menu card.
And now for a wistful trip down tortellini in brodo lane. If you haven’t tried this dish, you really should. The problem is that you don’t see it on a lot of menus. The only other time I’ve had it, or even seen it, was in Al Dente. That version is one of Soupquest’s exceptional soups.
Pizza
This version wasn’t quite so exultant, but it was still a damn good dish. The broth was light but flavour packed, and the peppery meat filling of the tortellini was just lovely. The dish is fast starting to challenge melanzane alla parmegiana as my favourite Italian dish, which is high praise, indeed.
For main, I opted for a mushroom and hot sausage pizza. The pizza proved to be very good, with a crisp base and richly satisfying topping. It was one of the better pizzas I’ve sampled; not in the same class as Origano, but very pleasing, nevertheless.
So, Italia Nostra served me very nicely, after a long and tiring day. I do enjoy the way that just the right dishes, at just the right moment, can transform you from a useless husk of a human back to partially functioning form, and turn an ashen face into a beaming smile. I’d happily visit the place again, and would be happy to order the same dishes. If you’re in the district, I’d suggest that you pop in and sample their grub.
Scores
4/5 for food
2.5/5 for presentation
3/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 13/20
Today’s quester was: Blythe
I ate: tortellini in brodo, pepperoni and mushroom pizza
I drank: lager, espresso
I wore: symphonic red and blue
Total bill: c.£19
