There is a new Italian restaurant in town. Il Cappero, at 3 Barrack Street, Cape Town.
Now, before you throw your arms up in the air and write this gem off as being in a less than salubrious part of town, allow me to tell you more.
Aldo was in the air-force and Cetti a student at the University of Palermo. She has a degree in literature. They met later when Aldo was captain of one of those huge ocean-going yachts where Cetti was the chef. They sailed the seven seas and ultimately decided on South Africa as their home. Cape Town to be precise.
They opened for business on the 15th December 2010. Il Cappero was originally the restaurant of the Parliament Hotel next door. Naturally, with Aldo at the helm, the restaurant is ship-shape. Walls painted in lilac and cream are decorated with stunning coloured photographs of South Africa. These aerial shots, taken by Cetti, while Aldo piloted the plane, reveal their fascination with their new homeland. The restaurant consists of two rooms. In the first room there is a well-appointed bar and a general feeling of a laid-back area where one can enjoy a drink before the meal. Through to the main room and the body of the restaurant.The name, Il Cappero is a tribute to the humble caper. As Aldo explains, the caper and the aubergine are basics of Sicilian and Tuscan food. On each table there is a small perspex stand displaying the legend of the caper. Impeccable linen napery and good glassware and cutlery adorn the tables. I love the sight of a well- dressed table all ready and waiting for its guests. Comfortable chairs covered in faux ostrich complete the picture.
We were welcomed by Aldo who had arranged a parking space for us. When I made the booking, I expressed concern about parking. No problem!! Aldo knows the security guards in the vicinity and it was all sorted. There is also a parking garage nearby which you can use if you wish and at night the street empties out and parking is not a problem.
We were shown to a window table. We ordered drinks and perused the menu. There are bottles of good olive oil and balsamico on each table and grinders of peppercorns and Atlantic sea salt. I cannot tell you how relieved I was to see the spice- grinders. I have a total phobia about open bowls of salt and pepper, the sort of trendy thing that is happening in restaurants lately. Imagine how many fingers go into those receptacles. I mean, only covered mints are served, so why expose the condiments to all sorts of nasties? Pretty glass lavender candle-holders echo the colour scheme.
The pasta section has interesting options. A risotto of the day; lasagne; carbonara or on that day a 'special' Spaghetti Con Ricci. This is a dish prepared with sea-urchin roe which Aldo was at pains to point out is fresh and not preserved in any way. There are wonderful meat and fish offerings. The fish page proudly lists 'The Pescato Del Giorno', the catch of the day; also delicately battered fried calamari rings; a calamari casserole and more. For the carnivores, the La Carne page offers sirloin steak, prime t-bone steak, Filetto with Salsa Bernese and either stuffed veal rolls or a grilled veal ball with apples and aromatic herbs. Side dishes are listed on a separate page and include salads, fried chips, vegetables and potato in casserole with capers, olives and onions, oh yum!! Oh for two stomachs.
Lovely desserts, tiramasu, malva pudding ( one for the locals) and the most amazing Cannoli Siciliano. This deep-fried horn shaped pastry shell, filled with ricotta, bits of chocolate or nuts, is so deliciously decadent and I could not resist it. Do you remember that scene in one of the Godfather films when one of the gangsters dies with a mouthful of cannoli? This is Cannoli Siciliano after all. I was almost expecting some 'Godfather' music.
At lunch time, the menu is enhanced by an anti-pasti type buffet. Lovely fresh delights prepared by Cetti and very much dependent on what is available at the market on the day. And she is a fussy buyer, just ask Aldo! On the day we stopped for lunch, there were platters of Ripieni, Roasted Pepperoni stuffed with minced beef and rice; Arancini, a deep-fried ball of rice with a centre of minced beef; a succulent Caprese salad; a fascinating and delicious Sicilian version of Veal Tonnato; Tabouleh, a vegetable couscous and a fresh salad. The warm offerings were Parmigiana Melanzana and a chicken curry, Italian style with delicate, subtle flavours. Oh my, how was I going to find stomach space for all of this? Aldo and Cetti created the buffet to cater for time-constrained business people to either eat in the restaurant or enjoy as take-aways or even as deliveries.Eventually, after much consideration and great patience from Aldo, we ordered. Eugene loves soup and ordered the soup of the day, which that day was one of his favourites, Stracciatella, a chicken broth with whisked egg dropped into it as it bubbles. Quite delicious. As a main course he ordered the 'special', spaghetti con ricci. I just could not resist the buffet and was gratified to see that some of the dishes on the menu that tempted me were on the buffet.
While Eugene waited for his soup, I helped myself at the buffet. First the cold buffet. I chose Annancini and some lovely plump roasted peppers bulging with minced beef and rice; lovely rounds of caprese salad and a tasting of tabouleh. It all looked so fresh and appetizing on my plate. Eugene's soup arrived steaming hot and accompanied by crisp ciabatta. We both tucked in. The soup was delectable and flavoursome and my plate of antipasti was delicious. We mopped up any residue on our plates with the ciabatta.
I refilled my plate with Parmigiana Di Melanzane and Sicilian style chicken curry from the hot section of the buffet. Eugene's pasta arrived and we both enjoyed the fragrance of the dish. He loved it. I tasted some and found it great. The lovely long strands of pasta glisten, waiting to be tasted. The pasta is infused with the flavours, totally unlike those pasta offerings where the sauces completely smother the other ingredients. Incidentally, you can order long or short pasta. My Parmigiana Di Melanzane was a triumph and I will certainly make a meal of it on another visit. Aldo sent me a portion of Caponata Di Melanzane to taste and it was delicious. Cetti is a wonderful cook (she prefers this title to chef) and everything is prepared with flare and passion. There is a carefully chosen wine-list with many wines available by the glass. Also, a list of beers, spirits and cold drinks. Aldo understands his wines and is delighted if someone chooses a good wine to complement the fine food. After the lunch service was over, Cetti and Aldo were joined by some Italian friends. It was so lovely to see the enthusiasm and happiness they displayed sharing a meal and a glass of wine. Italian hospitality is truly La Dolce Vita.
The evening meal has the same menu, with the specials displayed on a blackboard. Mama and papa preside over events and one can only wonder at their drive and energy. These are two people that really love and know food and certainly love talking about it.
Il Cappero is open for lunch from Monday to Friday from 12 - 2.30pm and dinner from Monday to Saturday from 6.30pm till late
That does not mean the restaurant closes at those times. Oh no, the kitchen closes and you are welcome to stay and enjoy drinks and good company for as long as you wish. Italian hospitality!
Il Cappero is hosting a special Valentine's week from the 11th to the 19th February 2012 and will be open on Sunday 12th February.
It is essential to book for dinner.
Telephone: 021 - 461 3168
Website: www.ilcappero.co.za
Address: 3 Barrack Street Cape Town.
Back Chat Eats out are dining experiences that Eugene and I have enjoyed and now wish to share with you.
They are written purely for pleasure and Back Chat is in no way affiliated to or remunerated by any establishment.
Eugene and I love eating out and we always pay for ourselves whenever and wherever we go.
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