40 B4 40-Vesuvio



No. 18: Vesuvio Italian Restaurant, Bournemouth

click image to enlarge

We really enjoyed the last Bank Holiday weekend of the year.  My brother and sister in law came to stay for a few nights, and as usual there was no shortage of village entertainment, as we visited the Milford on Sea Carnival, watched the start of the Needles to Torquay Powerboat Race, and the RNLI Search & Rescue exercise on the beach.

 

My brother is an excellent cook, just as I am a pretty good diner, and naturally food was central during the weekend.  So, Saturday night was a special visit to Verveine, and as always the food was superb and the dining experience pure theatre.  Sunday afternoon we had afternoon tea in The Marine in a slighty larger group that anticipated.

 

To explain, Peter & Nicola’s newly married daughter & husband were staying with Nicola’s mum in Ringwood.  Knowing they were all eating at Versuvio’s in Alum Chine on Sunday evening, a surprise was planned for them, as we made a covert call to the restaurant to increase the booking from 3 to 7.

 

What came as a bigger surprise, was when my niece & her new husband called saying they wanted to see us all, and asked if they could pop over with Marion on Sunday afternoon.  Nicola wanted to think quickly on her feet, but instead descended into a panic and hung up.  After exploring a number feasible excuses, Nicola called back, forgot them all, and said; "Yes, come on over”.

 

So, with all of us having spent the Sunday afternoon together, they headed home, and we got ready to arrive at the restaurant early for what was now a slightly strange surprise.  Over a beer, and plenty of peeping, they turned up and they were as shocked as we had been when they had asked to come over earlier.

 

Vesuvio is an Italian Restaurant positioned right on the beach at Alum Chine in Bournemouth.   First impressions were good, the interior was modern and with an air of quality in the design and fittings.  In the corner a duo were playing soothing background jazz, which gave the place a nice atmosphere.

 

The menu reflected the head chef’s respect of the traditions of Italian cuisine, with fresh meat and seafood locally sourced and delivered daily, as well as homemade pastas and classic Italian specialties.

 

As we all made our choices we were able to take in the panoramic views across the bay from the Isle of Wight to Old Harry Rocks.

My wife and I chose to share a starter of Gamberi Alla Diavola, butterfly freshwater prawns in chilli & tomato sauce served with garlic ciabatta, (I say ‘we chose to share’, what I actually meant was ’my wife told me she was sharing mine’.)  I was allowed to have a main course to myself, so we had Tournesdos Rossini, fillet steak set on a crouton, with paté & truffles in a rich Madeira sauce, and Vitello Alla Milanese, breaded escalope of veal with spaghetti Napoli. (Although my wife substituted the spaghetti for chips – good girl!)  There were many other dishes on the table, but I can’t recall exactly what, as many included pasta, and that’s too boring to write about.

 

Sweet of course had to be Italian Profiteroles, and by this time my wife had returned to true form and was thankfully watching her figure again.

 

By all the comments made around the table, everyone had enjoyed their choices and the portions certainly ensured everyone was full.

 

After a lively evening of conversation, and catching up on some things that had been forgotten during the afternoon, it was time to leave.  After plenty of wine and a few beers, I was up for creating another surprise, but my wife’s threats of removing an important part of my anatomy if I threw anyone in the sea, ensured I was on my best behavior all of the way home.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Vesuvio Italian Restaurant
Seafront, Alum Chine, Bournemouth, BH4 8AN
Tel: 01202 759100 or 01202 765096
www.vesuvio.co.uk
 

If you are wondering what the 40 B4 40 Dining Challenge is all about, please click here and all will be explained.