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Rustico
North Bridge Street, Sunderland
EVERYONE must have driven past Rustico at some point.
Slap bang in the middle of North Bridge Street, it's on one of the major routes in and out of the city centre.
But for all those Wearsiders who've seen it and never ventured through the front door – you are missing out.
Inside, it's a little haven from the hustle and bustle outside with its traditional Italian restaurant charm.
It's a surprisingly-spacious joint with plenty of space between the tables and a clean, simple, rich red decor.
I visited with colleagues Cara Houchen and Georga Spottiswood with Baby Houchen in tow.
The youngest member of our group was more than welcomed by the staff and you get the impression that this is an eaterie where the more kids the merrier.
Baby asleep, we soon got down to business and picked our way through a large menu incorporating steak, fish, pasta and chicken dishes.
There's also a pretty impressive starters choice ranging from unusual additions such as black pudding with peppercorn, brandy and cream, to favourites like potato skins and bruschetta.
I went with the Formagio Rustico, deep fried brie cheese in raspberry sauce (4.25).
It's not a combination I would usually put together, but it was sublime.
The warmed-through cheese was melt-in-your-mouth good and was perfectly complemented by the tang of the raspberry.
Georga and Cara – who's had to forgo this option for the past nine months – chose Pat della Casa which consisted of home-made pate with chicken liver, port, brandy and fresh orange juice, served with hot toast and cranberry sauce.
At 3.95, it's a bargain with a generous helping of rich, creamy pat to boot.
For her main meal, Georga opted for the Pollo Alla Crema, a chicken breast in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions which comes in at 8.95.
I'm informed the chicken was succulent and the sauce delicious.
I chose the Quatro Stagioni pizza with ham, peppers, onions and mushrooms (5.95).
It was laden with toppings and the stone-baked base gave it a traditional pizza taste.
Cara was also impressed with her choice, the Rustico pizza, (7.25) a more adventurous option, topped heavy with diced meatballs, pepperoni, jalapenos and garlic.
The bill was pretty pleasing too. Three starters, main meals and a couple of rounds of white wine spritzers only totted up to 50.
For Black Cat fans on their way to the nearby Stadium of Light, there's a good match day offer of a two-course meal and a pint of lager for 9.95.
The staff are also worth a mention as they've got warm welcomes down to a tee, making this restaurant one not to drive by and miss.
KATY WHEELER
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
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