I was recently invited to celebrate the 1st Birthday of one of Lisburn's best known eateries - Alfredo's on the Square turned one this month and Rumour Mill PR got in touch to see if I was available.
I am no stranger to Alfredos (who offer the best pizza in Lisburn) I have previously blogged about here, and I am a frequent breakfast goer -Full fry and a pot of tea/coffee for £5 is impossible to beat.
So the night was a celebration from beginning to end - along with a few stories of how Alfredo's has evolved (it was once the popular Angelo's of Piper's Hill) Richard, the owner of the establishment also shared his passion for the business and pride for his staff.
The menu threw up a new vision - although the name suggests an Italian restaurant, Richard and his team are working strenuously to develop a contemporary theme, one which prides itself on local produce and excellent food - he himself has seen the food industry evolve and has recognised that it is an ever changing industry - gone are the days of quantity over quality, what we the diner now look for is a refined dish, luxurious ingredients and plate artistry and that is exactly the direction Alfredo's is heading in.
On the night we were welcomed by Samantha of Rumour MIll PR and offered a prosecco reception - not just a normal prosecco but rather one that had been 'pimped' using Ruby Blue Vodka's own liquor flavorings - get yourself one of these when you visit - they are superb.
So after our reception we were treated to a wonderful starter - Cappelletti con Prosciutto; this was kind of mini raviolis stuffed with Prosciutto, covered in a classic creamy carbonara sauce and accompanied by a param ham crumble - served in a mini skillet type dish this was a wee bundle of joy! I hope they add it to their next menu!
Next up we were served a Whisky Sour Cured Salon Tartare - now you all know by now that I am not the biggest fish fan - I can just about handle a tuna sandwich so unfortunately this dish wasn't for me - it was presented really well though, dressed with dill, juniper berries and chives it was evident that time and effort was taking for presentation.
Next up we were treated to a 5 hour slow cooked Roast Shank of Lamb - served with a pesto mash (WOW) and selection of Mediterranean veg this dish looked great and tasted just as good! The meat was cooked to perfection, I was able to just pull the bone away and the meat fell apart, tender, juicy, succulent...i could go on. The lamb worked well with the pesto mash - definitely going to make my own pesto mash at some stage; twas a delight.
I stole this image from Michael - @TheBowtieBlog - add him for a few more tasty treats - great bloke
Next up came the Home Made Blueberry Gelato - Jesus Christ superstar - this was supreme! WOAH!!! served in a cocktail glass and garnished with Mediterranean fruits and some more Ruby Blue this was definitely a dish that got everyone talking, well we were all making noises anyway!
Along with each dish Richard had carefully paired a wine, there was entertainment by the very talented Luigi Cirilo and the staff were very accommodating! On a night to celebrate the 1st Birthday of Alfredo's we were treated to an excellent host, scrumptious food, delightful wine and fantastic staff - here's to celebrating the next 10 birthdays at Alfredo's on the Square.
