Hold the
phone lunchtime lushes and aprés-office party people, I have a newfound fave
that offers the best in that winning combination of meat, cheese and wine. It's
not a coincidence that I've visited Bristol's branch of Veeno* three times in
the space of a week (yes, really) so I think it's high time I shared the
reasons for this dedication/obsession (delete as you see fit)....
Date and Time: Erm, shall we just say February
2017?!
Name of Establishment: Veeno
Location: 1 Glass Wharf, Temple Way
Reason for Visit: In no particular order...Meat, cheese
and wine!
‘How do I
love thee? Let me count the ways’…Or, here is my comprehensive list which
details Veeno’s most attractive attributes. Enjoy…
- It’s
suitably located for the worker bees inhabiting the offices that adorn Temple
Quay and thus, Veeno is an ample go-to for a spot of luncheon, a client meeting
(if that’s your bag) or after-work drinky-poos - the latter suitably enhanced
by the hours of Aperitivo (or, ‘Aperiveeno’ if you will) which means that
complimentary nibbles are brought to your table with any drink purchased
between 17:00 and 20:00.
- Veeno
serves Sicilian wines from the founders' family’s vineyard which dates back
four generations. This, along with authentic Italian Spuntini – or, little
snacks and appetisers to enhance your tipple – means that the quality of the
ingredients is quite simply cracking. To that end, try the Gorgonzola with a
touch of the truffle honey and the Salame di Cervo (super tasty air-dried
venison) with a glass of the Giumara, Nero d’Avola. So.Good!
- A selection
of the restaurant’s most-popular wines and products are available to purchase
to take-away. You can also order via Deliveroo* (so I’m told…hurry up and
service North Bristol for pity's sake!) or from Veeno’s online store; meaning
that you can feed and water yourself from the comfort of your own home. Just
don't mention the 'Skinny Prosecco' which is seemingly the most recent string
to this venue’s bow and in my opinion, rather too gimmicky to establish itself
alongside the finer wines on offer. It may well taste fantastic – containing
less residual sugar will ultimately create a drier, perhaps crisper finish -
but the cringeworthy name just has to go!
- The
lunchtime deal whereby any standard Panini is accompanied by a complimentary
glass of wine (or soft drink for the faint-hearted) is an absolute bargain. I
mean, a humble fiver for a generously portioned ensemble of Nduja (spicy,
spreadable sausage), mozzarella and sundried tomato paté sandwiched within a
crisp Piadina, swilled down with the house rosé – a rich, fruity Syrah – is
unquestionably a no brainer!
- The
service is spot on. You know that fine balance between remaining attentive and
becoming invasive? Veeno have it just right. This makes for a comfortable
atmosphere; even if you happen to be sitting on your own…I was waiting for a
friend, honestly!
- Veeno
offer wine tasting sessions for not a lot of dollar. Wine flights start from
£10 per person and the classic tasting (priced at just under £20) is made up of
six wines which are paired with Spuntini; the sixth a dessert wine to accompany
a portion of homemade Tiramisu! You can purchase gift cards too which arguably
constitutes the perfect pressie…Hey, isn’t Mother’s Day coming up? (Sorry to
ruin the surprise Mama Ros…) Furthermore, sign up to receive news and
information as part of the ‘Veeno Club’ and you receive a complimentary tasting
on your birthday – I don’t think I’ve ever filled in an online form so quickly!
- The menu
is informative and the staff knowledgeable which means that you can be guided
towards your perfect combination of meat and cheese, plus, the ideal wine or
wines to pair with your spoils. Tasting notes for pretty much everything on the
menu really aids the selection process without having to bother the staff with
a million and one questions.
- I haven’t
got as far as the wine cocktails yet but the Veenopolitan is at the top of my
list for the next time I visit (which, let’s face it, will probably be within
the next few days!) It mixes that aforementioned house rosé with vodka, peach
juice and fresh strawberries – a combination which could fool you into thinking
that it’s summer...well, maybe! I’m aware that this isn’t exactly a reason but
a menu that includes original cocktails – along with a handful of my absolute
faves (yes, Espresso Martini) – is surely a win.
- Finally,
presentation – they say that you taste with your eyes prior to taking the first
mouthful and…well…just look at this...
Need I say
more...?
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