ASK Italian restaurant group partners with Theo Randall to launch new menu

1st December 2011, 8:41am

The ASK Italian restaurant group has teamed up with top chef Theo Randall to introduce a new menu.

Highlights from the new menu available nationally include:

 * Insalata Caprese - buffalo mozzarella, vine ripened mini San Marzano tomatoes, Santos tomatoes, fresh rocket and basil, all set off with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper
* Spaghetti al Pomodoro – Santos tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil shine in this rich tomato sauce with buffalo mozzarella and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
* Risotto Pollo e Funghi – Tender chicken breast slices and a variety of sautéed mushrooms in a creamy white wine sauce. Garnished with sautéed oyster mushrooms and thyme
* A range of deliciously creamy gelati made from an authentic artisan recipe using pure and natural ingredients

A selection of new dishes is also being trialled in 11 restaurants before being rolled out nationally in March. Dishes include:

Fettuccine con Verdure – fettuccine with courgettes, peas, oven-roasted tomatoes, green beans and spinach seasoned with garlic, basil, red chili and finished with olive tapenade

• Spigola al Forno – roasted sea bass with new charlotte potatoes, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach in a light butter and white wine sauce with lemon juice

• Risotto Gamberoni – rich risotto with king prawn, courgettes, tomato and a tasty kick of red chili; garnished with a large, shell-on king prawn

• Prima Pizza Gamberetti e Zucchini – prawns, courgette, crème fraiche, garlic and a seasoning of anchovies and capers are served on a classic tomato base and seasoned with Calabrian oregano

• Torta Italiana – Italian plum and pistachio tart served warm with vanilla gelato

Master of wine, Adrian Garforth, has also developed the all Italian wine list (currently in trial in 11 restaurants and due to launch nationally in March). He has chosen a simple list of Italian wines to complement the flavours of the new menu including a number of classics such as Pinot Grigio and Chianti as well as more complex wines like a Piedmontese Gavi D.O.C.G.

Randall said: "I've chosen to work with ASK Italian because I believe they're doing something really special. We've taken an honest approach to the menu and combined much-loved favourites with new dishes that will excite customers with their seasonality and quality ingredients. I'm proud to be helping inspire the team at ASK Italian on this journey to transform their restaurants across the country."