Fat Hen – Number 47

Fat Hen is our first foray into an Italian eatery since we left Italy 2 months ago.  To be honest, we have been avoiding Italian restaurants. One, we are still missing the mountains, people and food from our temporary home on Lake Como and don’t want the reminder, and two, the food in Italy is so good, can it be the same out of Italy? (and if anyone thinks ‘Olive Garden” is good Italian food….I’m afraid you are very mistaken).  

Fat Hen classes its menu as ‘modern Italian’, with a seasonal menu consisting of the classic Italian courses of Apperitiv (starters), Primi piatti (generally the ‘pasta’ course), Secondi piatti (meat or fish course) and Dolci (dessert), so far everything is screaming Italian (even the menu is written in Italian).  There is an option to have all four courses for $55 , which I think is a steal and is totally what we opted for.

Drinks – The restaurant is small and does not have a bar, but fret not, it’s sister next door (La Brasa) has a bar and the two restaurants are connected, so you don’t need to go outside between cocktail and dinner.  I was also very pleased to see a great selection of mostly Italian wines on the menu, ranging from $62 for a red and $54 for a white.

Food – It’s the little things that sometimes make a dish just that little bit more special.  A terrine of Fois Gras that reminded me of being in the Alsace, which was served with pear and homemade crostini, yum.  My choice, a fish pate, delicious on its own, but more delightful as it was served with little home made saltines.  The thing I was nervous about…the pastas.  The Italians are known for keeping things simple, using few ingredients and never messing with a traditional dish (this last is sometimes infuriating as a beautiful dish will be said to be “not Italian” or “not right” if it is not made in the exact traditional way.  This also goes from region to region, one regions Pasta Ragu is “wrong” in the opinion of another region….room for interpretation? None.  I apologise, I digress).  We ordered one Gnocchi and one lamb pasta.  Both dishes were packed full of flavour, but with just a few main ingredients, just as it should be.  Our mains of duck and ribeye were also perfectly cooked, presented and with perfect accompaniments.

Atmosphere – This is a small, intimate restaurant that only seats 30.  The lighting is low and romantic (although a little too dark, we had to light up the table with our phones to read the menu….sorry neighbouring tables).  The restaurant was full (as you would expect on a Friday) and I would recommend booking.

If you want to experience Italian eating as the Italians would do, you couldn’t do better than to try Fat Hen.  Their ethos has been to follow the way it is done in Italy, with menus in Italian, dishes that use only a few (seasonal) ingredients, a very relaxed atmosphere and pace, with friendly staff, who are clearly passionate about the food and restaurant.