Tino's Restaurant

3rd Nov. 1999

After a gruelling day's shopping in Manchester, Marg and I didn't have much of an appetite, and Marg didn't fancy standing over a hot stove. On our way home, we were racking our brains trying to think of somewhere we could have a small meal which was a bit more appealing than a Burger or Chippy Meal, but less formal than a restaurant. We couldn't think of anything, but as we passed the Robin Hood, Marg remembered that there was a restaurant there, and she'd heard good things about it, so we decided to drop in on the off chance.

While I was expecting a "Pub Restaurant", Tino's is in fact separate from the Pub, and has the appearance and ambience of a "proper" small restaurant. Marg just wanted a plate of Spaghetti, and ordered Bolognese. I wanted something less rich - I'm not a fan of the English penchant for smothering Pasta in sauce - but there was nothing on the menu which really appealed to me at that time. However, when the Maitre d' approahed, I asked him if the chef could knock up one of my favourites - Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino - plain white spaghetti served in oil in which garlic and a little chilli have been fried.

A half bottle of the house red turned out to be a good choice, and the meal was preceded by a round of Pizza Bread topped with tomato and garlic. This was really good - both the tomato and garlic having a beautifully fresh taste, and the bread crisp around the edges, and soft but not mushy under the topping.

The spaghettis were both very good, though I prefer very fine spaghetti to the standard gauge offered in restaurants.

Marg and I were both impressed, and agreed we'd return for a "proper" meal.

We finished off with a cappuccino, and a cafe corretto - although the waitress didn't recognise the name, she recognised the description - "Oh, yes, an espresso with grappa in it - the chef drinks those all the time!".

Sandro(& Marg)

Update

3rd November 1999

As we'd agreed, Marg and I returned to Tino's - unfortunately, we were again not in the mood for a full meal - we were again in transit, in a hurry and not very hungry.

Marg had Lasagne, I had a Sirloin Steak served with my favourite spaghetti -   Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino. Again we had the Pizza Bread - lovely - but wished we hadn't as it filled us up too much. This time, Marg was driving, so I opted for a full bottle of the house red - a Merlot del Veneto - which went down rather too well!!

The steak was excellent - one of the best I've had in years. Marg's Lasagne was good, but she couldn't manage more than about two thirds of it - not even I could help her out much by the time 'd finished mine.

A simple meal prepared well, served well.

We thouroughly enjoyed this meal, and we will definitely be returning. Next time, I hope we'll have a proper appetite, and time to enjoy it.

The only nit-picking we could indulge in was the fact that we were too hot. All the other diners seemed comfortable, so it must be down to us - we often notice that other people's houses are considerably warmer than ours.

Sandro and Marg