The Primitivo Pheasant

A new Venetian Italian opening in Exeter? Get us a table! When we heard the news that Polpo, a proper Italian, and not another burger restaurant, was opening in Exeter, we rejoiced. Being opening week, we were presented with complimentary starters in the form of arancini balls and basil, mozzarella & tomato skewers. Also, complimentary drinks; soft and alcoholic. We went for the alcoholic option of belinis (peach puree and prosecco). The skewers were the first thing we tasted in this restaurant and as soon as popped them in our mouths, we smiled and knew this was going to be good. There's no hiding from low quality ingredients with something this simple, but this was gorgeous, Polpo clearly know how important good ingredients are. The first plates to come out were the fennel, green bean & almond salad and roasted red chicory with grana padano. Both delicious veggie plates with plenty of flavour and a nice crunch of almonds. We then chose another drink. I wen...

After ordering a meat box from Pipers Farm, our evening meals suddenly upgraded. With meat that good, the rest of the dish has to do it justice. Alongside the biggest sausages I've ever seen, the meat box had a fantastic selection of seasonal, sustainable, local, slow-reared meat fit for any foodie (or body builder alike!) which all came packaged in natural lambs wool. Tonight was the turn of two of the Ruby Red steaks, which K decided to cook with a Nigella-inspired orzotto and green beans. Nigella says: "An orzotto is like a risotto but instead of being made with rice it’s made with barley – orzo being the Italian for barley." That was a new one for me! First, shallots were fried off in a pan with garlic oil and pearl barley was stirred through. Then chicken stock was added and some saffron and chopped green beans. This was all left to simmer. Release date Once cooked down, dry vermouth and parmesan cheese were added to the mixture. Now on to th...