Echoing the grandeur of the fine dining establishments of Paris and Monte Carlo, Avalanche is one seriously cool and sophisticated venue. The restaurant's sleek decor of whites and blacks frames a refined dining experience centred around Italian classics made using prime ingredients and simple flavours. A menu that has starters such as Avalanche's will always win favour with me, especially when there are personal favourites like pan-seared scallops with garlic and parsley butter and tuna Carpaccio enhanced by capers, baby plum tomatoes and a drizzle of lemon olive oil available. However, I do try to branch out with my choices and, thankfully, Avalanche offers variety in abundance - look to the lamb meatballs served in a Napoli sauce and the pan-fried king prawns in a spicy tomato sauce with toasted ciabatta as examples of the variety on offer. Main courses are divided into sections of pasta and risottos, pizza, meat and seafood, which is especially helpful when there's such an embarrassment of riches to choose from. The pesce spada in cartoccio - swordfish, clams, mussels and king prawns with a basil and tomato concasse - is a highlight that lets the kitchen team show off exactly how the natural qualities of already excellent produce can be enhanced when in expert hands. The pan-fried calf's liver with crispy pancetta, olive oil mash and a red wine sauce is another delight, as are fresh pasta dishes like the tagliolini di granchio (thin ribbons of pasta with brown and white crab meat, spring onions, ginger, garlic and chives) and pappardelle funghi (thick strands of pasta with wild mushrooms, wilted rocket and toasted pine nuts). The wine list shows off a choice pick of some of Italy's best varieties, but isn't restricted to grapes from within The Boot's borders thanks to appearances from plenty of international tipples. If you wanted to, you could stop by just to sample Avalanche's libations - there's plenty of room to do so, with three separate bar areas to choose from. All that remains is to decide when to go
Mon: | 12pm-11pm |
Tues: | 12pm-11pm |
Weds: | 12pm-11pm |
Thurs: | 12pm-11pm |
Fri: | 12pm-2am |
Sat: | 12pm-2am |
Sun: | 1am-10.30pm |