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Out of the ashes of that fondly remembered Camden landmark,
Café Delancey, has risen a decidedly welcome phoenix in the
fun and funky shape of Caponata.
Caponata is a Sicilian Ristorante, Osteria and Bar serving delicious,
authentic and keenly priced Sicilian cuisine. So far, so good. In
addition however, the four young owners (sisters and brothers-in-law,
one half of them musical, the other gastronomes) have added The
Forge, a brand new, purpose-built music and arts space.
The result is a unique blend of excellent food and wine, great music
and innovative architecture that will bring an added dimension to
socialising in Camden and the surrounding areas.
Caponata is the result of many months of planning and hard work; it
was back in 2005 that the owners commissioned renowned local
architects Burd Haward to fulfil their ambitious plans of combining a
Sicilian restaurant and bespoke events space.
Some three years later and the standalone first floor restaurant has
a sleek and modern Scandinavian look, flooded with natural light via
a glassed-over faux courtyard, the two-storey interior wall of which
has been planted with ferns and creepers to create a living green wall.
Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers a blend of
contemporary and exciting Italian cuisine with a Sicilian twist. Many
cultures have established themselves on Sicily over the last two
millennia and Caponata's menu reflects that sophisticated and
eclectic heritage, combining Arab, Spanish, French and Greek
techniques with simple ingredients. Under Head Chef Danilo
Barbagallo, signature dishes include starters such as Rabbit Terrine
with Carrots and Courgette, and mains of the calibre of Chargrilled
Calf's Liver with Chestnut Mash and Grape Sauce. Pasta dishes are
equally as imaginative, with Lobster and Scallop Tortelloni on a Crab
and Basil Bisque destined to be a particular favourite.
Caponata's home-made ice creams and sorbets meanwhile are out of this
world. And only the strongest willed would be able to resist the
likes of such inventive desserts as Mango 'Ravioli' Filled with
Saffron and Orange, Served with Chocolate Gelato.
Downstairs is the equally strikingly designed Osteria. Customers are
welcome at this more informal bar-café at any time of the day,
be it for breakfast, lunch or supper. Complementing arguably the best
gelati in Camden are irresistible patisseries courtesy of supremely
talented chef Luigi Manganiello, latterly of the two Michelin star
San Domenico in Imola, Italy.
Downstairs is the equally strikingly designed Osteria. Customers are
welcome at this more informal bar-café at any time, for
breakfast, snacks, fabulous creations from the grill, arguably the
best gelati in Camden Town or simply an aperitivo.
Aside from its world-famous cuisine, there are more varieties of
grape planted in Italy than every other wine-growing country put
together. From the rocky shores of western Sicily to the sandy
beaches of Puglia and the high mountains of Alto Adige, Caponata's
selection reflects this massive diversity of geography and climate.
The outstanding culinary offering aside, the really innovative
feature of both areas is the concept of food accompanied by superb
live music: retractable partitions open the performance area up to
the shared courtyard, allowing sounds to spread throughout Caponata.
The two spaces can also be opened up to provide a truly spectacular
setting for any type of private or corporate event.
As well as providing Caponata with live music on Tuesday and Sunday,
throughout the rest of the week The Forge promotes some of the
country's finest musicians from classical to jazz and world to folk.
A live music venue up to 100 people, it has been specially designed
with natural acoustics.
Caponata & The Forge, 3-7 Delancey Street, Camden, London, NW1
7NL www.caponatacamden.co.uk
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