PUBLISHED August 5th, 2015 04:00 pm | UPDATED July 12th, 2017 05:20 am
In a city of over 12 million people, one would be excused for missing the odd trick. The vast majority of my evenings and weekends are spent discovering new eateries, drinking establishments and cafes; yet I still find myself stumbling upon the odd hidden gem from time to time. And the needle in the haystack this time goes by the name of Garibaldis.
Upon arrival, a smiling lady called Fern greeted me at the door. Notoriously terrible with names, I can’t help but remember Fern due to her outstanding hospitality skills. I was shown to the bar, poured a cold glass of water and immediately engaged in conversation about my interests and hobbies. This is front-of-house at its very best! Before long, the exceptionally handsome manager of Garibaldis, Giacomo, emerged from the kitchen.
My meal began with an introduction to the two gentlemen seated alongside me at the bar. Hailing from Italy, they had come to present their wine to Giacomo; possibly seeking a fellow Italians approval. Friendly and cheerful, I was offered a glass upon revealing my birthplace of Ireland. Perhaps they considered me to be somewhat of an alcohol expert? Cheers to stereotypes and free wine. A glass of opulent red and some good conversation was the perfect start to the evening.
A good menu should be difficult to choose from and with the diversity on offer at Garibaldis, you’ll need to take your time. The menu boasts more imports than Suvarnabhumi itself as it attempts to provide the very best of ingredients from around the world; for instance, cheese from France, tomatoes from Italy, seafood from the Mediterranean, and beef from Australia.
The Butternut Pumpkin Soup with Porcini Mushrooms, Balsamic Caviar and & Ricotta Cheese (240 bt) was first up. Not normally a fan of mushrooms, I found myself devouring these buttery pieces of heaven by the spoonful. Accompanied by freshly baked pizza bread drizzled in flavoursome olive oil, it was an excellent choice to begin the meal with.
Haloumi Salad
If you’re in the mood for something slightly lighter, it would be difficult to look further than the Haloumi Salad with Cyprian Style Grilled Cheese, Beetroot, Pine Nuts and Orange Segments (290 bt). The combination of perfectly seared cheese atop fresh fruit, vegetables and greens is absolutely sublime!
Italians are famous for many things; none more so than pasta. When Giacomo recommended his personal favourite, the Cappellacci (400 bt), there was little debate to what was next on my list. Homemade spinach pasta filled with beef ragout, mozzerella, zucchini and cherry tomato sauce, it was undoubtedly the best pasta dish I’ve had outside of Italy.
Simple yet perfected, the Veal Escalope with Traditional Lemon Sauce and Side Salad (580 bt) is another option worth considering. Zesty and seasoned to perfection, it’s the ideal choice for any lover of fine meats.
Sword Fish Siciliana
In a menu that did nothing but impress me, the Sword Fish Siciliana deserves a special mention. Accompanied by cherry tomatoes, capers and black olives, this pan fried delicacy will leave your taste buds tingling. Every mouth-watering bite is a burst of flavour, oozing with the unmistakable juices of the Mediterranean. An impeccable choice for seafood infatuates like myself.
Dining at Garibaldis isn’t just about satisfying your stomach at a restaurant; it’s an experience. The enthusiasm of the staff was infectious as they introduced each dish with pride. Unique interiors highlighted by outlandish arrangements of Edison bulbs, contemporary artwork draping from the walls, and a large open kitchen that allows patrons to observe the chefs at work, the restaurant succeeded at being a feast for the senses!