Li Veli Italian Winery & Bistro

Chestnut & Wine

Li Veli Italian Winery & Bistro 

Li Veli is a trendy Italian Winery & Bistro in Covent Garden, spreading across two floors with a wine shop. It is a joint venture by two Italian families, with one family operating as a wine producer from Puglia while the other, owns a hotel business. Towards this winter, Li Veli is debuting its Li Veli Orion 2014 and Li Veli Passamante 2014, two wines that are carefully selected from its own winery, it has also come up with an Apuglian chestnut and San Martino inspired menu, which every single dish contains some element of chestnut to go with the newly launched wines.

Verdeca 2013

Orecchiette pasta with chestnut cream

My starter of chestnut velouté with “Cardoncelli” mushrooms was simply fantastic, the meaty texture of the mushroom added a lovely hint of earthiness to the warm veloute soup, the seasoning was just at the right level while the crispy pancetta enhanced the savoury element of the dish. And guess what, I forgot to take a picture of the dish as the aroma was just too inviting when it arrived on to the table so I couldn't stop myself diving into it right away. The organic Orecchiette pasta with chestnut cream was surprisingly light and refreshing, the pasta was cooked to the traditional Italian way with a lovely smooth texture. I particularly enjoyed the mild ricotta cheese which added an interesting settled milky flavour to the finish.

Susumaniello 2013

Chestnut semifreddo

A special mention, the wine selected by the wine sommelier Nicola, the knowledge and passion he had was second to none. The wine he had picked work extremely well with our dishes, I was really impressed with the Susumaniello 2013, thanks to its bold and richness without being too one dimension. So much so that I bought a bottle from its shop on my way home. It was easily the best Italian wine I have encountered in London at that price point (£18). Li Veli is a lively bistro with a great atmosphere, along with the casual setting and decor, it makes this place an ideal venue for a glass of wine and comforting Italian food.

Average cost without drinks and services:
£25 pp 

69 Long Acre, London WC2E 9JS

http://www.liveli.co.uk/