Kensington and Chelsea Review were recently invited to the launch of a wonderful summer menu at what is easily one of the finest and this publication’s favourite hotels – The Pelham in South Kensington. La Trattoria by Alfredo Russo, the fabulously authentic Italian restaurant, cosily nestled within the basement of the discrete townhouse that houses the property, is another firm favourite and we were looking forward to the opportunity of trying out a special ‘Limited Edition’ offering for Summer. It turned out to be an immensely entertaining evening that far exceeeded the already-high expectations.
It’s always a delight when two creative forces come together, fuse their talents and create a deeply meaningful conflation. In this case, it’s ispiration more than mutual collaboration but equally pleasurable . La Trattoria is a gem in the neighbourood and Alfred Russo and head chef Roberto Roncolato’s creations are an absolute masterclass in classic Italian cooking done in a refreshingly modern way and the muse for the Limited Edition Summer menu is painter Anna Mazzotta.She is an artist par excellence whose amazingly fun and evocative works are authentically distinctive and entirely free hand – without the use of digital aids, projectors or AI – translating to a uniqueness that is ever-alien in the modern world. There is also strong element of candour and lightness about her works that makes it highly collectible. Her ouevre is a gorgeous melange of colour, humour and vivacious imagination effusive enough to inspire a quintessentially Italian four-course menu aiming to capture the ebullient spirit of Summer through bold flavours and evocative imagery.
The artistry of the four courses is sparked off with The Lifeguard (beautifully emblazoned by Anna on the limited edition menu) – aubergine with Provola cheese, cherry tomatoes and Cerignola olives – a gorgeous start to proceedings followed by La Dolce Vita, an ode to the cinema and the simplest heaven of fresh egg pasta with fresh tomato sauce, burratta cheese and olives. the main of Amalfi is a sublime stone roasted seabass deftly packaged in tearable baking paper waiting to be savoured. Proceedings come to an end with Amalfi, the dessert course of White sponge with lemon custard cream. The evening was further amplified by the wonderful talent of the legend that is Tony Moore- founding member of Iron maiden and keyboardist in 80’s hitsters Cutting Crew – who performed hits and covers all neatly interspersed with some trademark cheekiness and heartfelt adoration and respect for Anna’s art and obviously La Trattoria’s food.
An uplifting evening filled with laughter and wonderful chat with fans, friends and wellwishers and some excellent food. La Trattoria and The Pelham confirmed their stellar credentials and Anna Mazzotta graced the evening with her fine art! A gala event.
https://collezione.starhotels.com/en/our-hotels/the-pelham-london/
https://collezione.starhotels.com/en/our-hotels/the-pelham-london/dining/la-trattoria.html
