Pellegrini's

Last week was a tough one. It started with me leaving my job and ended with two weddings. Not to mention what happened in between! Thus I have been very slack on my reviews even though I have a couple of very exciting new additions for this week.

I have decided that I will no longer work for someone else and I will focus on building up my catering business. Hopefully this will also leave me with more time to continually try and improve the offerings of my food fable website.

Anyway... Last night after a busy day in the city Nick and I decided to meet after work for some dinner at Pellegrini's. I am sorry to admit that before this I was a Pellegrini's virgin, which must have shown when I decided to order a glass of Pinot whilst waiting for Nick only to be told that they don't serve alcohol. Never mind, as Von Haus - a gorgeous, unobtrusive, little bar with an impressive list of bar snacks and reasonably priced wine by the glass - is right next door in the little alley.

When Nick arrived to meet me an hour later I was very ready for my much anticipated meal at Pellegrini's. We entered the bustling, restaurant/espresso bar and took our seats on the stools in front of the mirror. Pellegrini's is one of those places that make you feel so comfortable you could probably tell the lovely gentlemen behind the bar your whole life story by the time you leave.

We asked the host to order for us as there isn't a menu as such at this Italian instead you will find a board listing a few classic pasta dishes such as spaghetti bolognaise, marinara or napoletana, this should be considered a guideline only as they will pretty much make you any pasta dish you feel like.

We were presented with two steaming plates of pasta, mine a traditional carbonara (no cream) and Nick's a penne amatriciana both equally delicious and I would know as we decided to swap once we had eaten half of each.

Following the pasta we moved to the bar to choose our dessert from the cabinet. Nick chose the raspberry shortcake and I was not given a choice instead the charming host decided to give me a little bit of nearly every cake in a bowl topped with lemon sorbet, ice-cream and watermelon, leaving me thinking 'oh my god, how on earth am I going to eat all of this!'. Luckily I had my vacuum cleaner husband with me who somehow managed to get through both of our decadent desserts.

After being very spoilt for a Monday night meal out we were wondering what the cost of our meals would be as there are no prices. The total cost for our evening was a mere $40, this was definitely helped by the fact that we could not order alcohol or even soft drink. The only drinks that you can order at Pellegrini's are coffee and watermelon granita which I didn't notice until the end so looks like I have to go back again next week to try the granita. Oh well......

Address: 66 Bourke St Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9662 1885
Bookings: No need, if you are patient you will be seated quite quickly
Licensed: No
Breakfast: Yes but not on Sundays