Amici

Amici is a good example of an Italian neighbourhood restaurant that actually has a neighbourhood to support it; in this case Wandsworth Common and the surrounding communities. Its existence is much enlivened by the presence of Valentina Harris, a lady who probably knows more about pasta, risotto and other culinary Italian matters than the Italians themselves. Her cookery classes are occasions for much revelry, well underlaid with a learning curve that is not far off vertical.

A Tuscan tomato, basil, bread and soup dish sets the tone, or perhaps marinated sardines with red onion and potato salad, followed by spaghetti with clams, white wine and garlic, leading up to grilled prawns and squid with spicy aubergines, grilled lamb steak with salsa verde and roast artichokes, or roast porchetta with Italian sausage and Savoy cabbage.

Vegetarians may relish the spinach with garlic and chilli, before rejoining ranks to descend on the desserts, or shall we say corntoni, amongst which expect to find, in true Neapolitan style, chocolate covered ice cream truffle with zabaglione, or in a more international strain a lemon and vodka slush puppy.

At weekends an Italian brunch could include Tuscan ham with figs, poached eggs with buttered spinach - getting closer, or roast suckling pig. For brunch? Well, I suppose it all depends what time you get up.

The wine list unsurprisingly is 99% Italian with some interesting contributions at prices that will delight the customer.

Cookery classes? Call Jo on 020 7834 1888 for bookings and gift vouchers.