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Pecora Nera: Al dente prices for Italian tastes |
 The black sheep of Sevastoupoleos Ave cannot escape from the herd.“There is no genuine Italian kitchen in Greece”. This is what a famous Italian restaurant owner told me about two years ago, a specialist in generalizations, as are most southern Italians and of course almost all Greeks. And naturally I do know that I cannot prove him wrong. Why this is a matter is not easy to comprehend, since Hellenic Goods are similar to Italian ones. One can only suppose that it is because of lack of know-how and feeling. How can an Italian make a dish of “soutzoukakia”? (traditional eastern Greek dish of meatballs in red sauce).
By Remy
A restaurant bar (or bar restaurant, I am not sure), has arrived and promised to bring the genuine Italy. “Pecora Nera”, located at a stylish spot of Ampelokipoi area, actually challenges with its name (Black Sheep) and its unorthodox design. A long dining table is placed in its interior, in order to bring together groups in the mood to socialize, while large windows and plants in its exterior, set a serene mood far away from busy and noisy Sevastoupoleos Ave. However, noisy is the actual restaurant. The music is so loud, that one can either dance, or leave; surely not dine.
Taste-wise, confusion in general. Crostoni caprino (€8,50), with goat cheese and tomatoes, was an ideal introduction. The Insalata con avocado (€14,80) with rocket, mushrooms, avocado, and parmesan cheese, had freshness and was tasty, plus one must note its excellent olive oil quality. The dish of the day, octopus with black-eyed peas, was missing the link between the two ingredients. As a result it appeared grayish, and it also missed an edge, necessary in such recipes.
There seemed to be confusion in the main courses as well. While the duck with roasted vegetables (€16) was most decent, vegetables chopped and roasted perfectly, the Carbonara Vera (€13,50) with pork rib and egg was tasteless and the spaghetti too al dente. Such lack of flavor can only be excused if the chef forgot to add the salt (actually that is what I personally believe). To conclude, Spaghetti di mare (€18) is an interesting dish and one should try it, however there is more emphasis given on the spices and less on the actual Sea aromas. The wine list is a complete and adequate Italian vineyard.
About service, I would rather not say anything, since some of the staff, not only forgot to serve, but also acted as face control of the dining area. Table charge was included in the bill, even though our bread never arrived, while wine, we served ourselves, even though it was placed in a bucket with ice. Generally, €40 per person (wine not included) is not a reasonable price judging from food quality and service. Italian references were quite few, while the choice of the name is actually vindicated.
By Linguini
Pecora nera, oveja negra or black sheep… A description that makes quite an intriguing impression. The name of the bar restaurant however, suggests more than it can offer…
What does it offer? One of the best and most uplifting dj sets in Athens, where sitting or standing, the mood really takes one away. Located on 158 Sevastoupoleos Ave, it is well designed and neatly wrapped in a beautiful green corner. A simply okay Italian kitchen… with al dente prices (that is, prices that stick to the teeth as well as the pocket). So to separate sheep from goats…
The Crostoni caprino was a pleasure, a peppery and creamy taste of the Italian goat cheese caprino. The Insalata con avocado successfully combined rocket, mushrooms and parmesan cheese, with buttery avocado – a delight that cost €15. The “real” Carbonara (with pancetta and egg) was nothing compared to the perfectly boiled spaghetti with juicy seafood that completed the Spaghetti di Mare. Whereas the noble arrival of the Bistecca Fiorentina di Falorni, attracted eyes and comments of our company. Bred at Falornis’ in Toscana, the steak’s price (€78) does raise questions on its consistency with the rest of the courses, but also on the restaurant’s policy on how prices are decided, since the particular product must not cost over €25. Razzle dazzle only works with sheep…
Pecora nera can easily compete against middle priced restaurants, but cannot stand up for the race next to expensive ones.
PS. There is a bad wolf after all. As it turns out the rude black sheep appeared where it shouldn’t have; the service. What can anyone say about a fake wannabe acting rudely, in the presence of the owners as well.
Info:
Cuisine: Italian
Address: Sevastoupoleos 158, Ampelokipi
Reservations : 210-6914183
Open: every day except Sunday
25.08.2008
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