Gabbi (seated) and his team
Tempting tapas, authentic stone-baked pizzas and stylish surroundings
While I was chatting to Gabbi Khidyer, the owner of Avanti on Bedford Corner, he was called to the phone. After a few moments, Gabbi came back to the table smiling. ‘That was one of our regulars, he was trying to persuade me to open on Christmas Day! I had planned to close on Christmas Eve, but so many people wanted to book, I changed my mind. But Christmas Day is out of the question – I have to give my team some time off!’
Gabbi has 35 years experience running successful restaurants and bars in both the UK and Italy. Since opening in the summer Avanti, a family-friendly Mediterranean fusion restaurant with a signature emphasis on Spanish tapas and authentic Italian thin crust pizzas, has clearly attracted a loyal local following.
The team is lead by the manager, Eric, and he is supported by chefs, Mina and Giorgio, and Lorenza. ‘For the tapas, we use classic techniques and only the freshest ingredients and all our pizzas are made to order and baked in a traditional stone oven,’ explains Gabbi.
‘From the tapas menu I would recommend trying Carrilleras de Cerdo (Braised Wild Boar in red wine on a bed of Creamed Potatoes) and Fabada Asturiana (Spanish Butter Bean Stew with Chorizo, Bacon and Onion) – they’re both delicious.
‘At the moment we’re offering special Christmas options and we’re also taking bookings for private parties and reservations for New Year’s Eve. Before then, as a respite from all the festive shopping, if customers come in for a beer or glass of wine (3-7pm weekdays) we’ll offer them a complimentary tapa.
‘We’ve had a warm welcome and over the last six months, it’s been lovely to see many familiar faces coming back to eat with us,’ he says. ‘We would like to wish them all a very Happy New Year.’
Avanti
Bedford Corner,
4 South Parade, W4 1LD
020 8994 9444
info@avantichiswick.com
http://www.avantichiswick.com
Avanti
Bedford Corner,
4 South Parade, W4 1LD
020 8994 9444
info@avantichiswick.com
http://www.avantichiswick.com