Centonove

Posted by: ilovbreaky | 27 April 2010, 12.22am

i love centonove, a great little local italian place... and lovely guy that runs it too. Shame your not in the Entertainment Book anymore.. but we still go as it is just a lovely dinner restaurant with a great little wine list too, though can be a bit expensive.

Food:			Visit: Mon 1 March 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: chanel11 | 31 October 2009, 8.46pm

Fastest service I have ever recieved.
Really lovely decor and the food is good.

Food:			Visit: Sat 31 October 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: connoisseur | 6 April 2008, 12.59pm

Planning to go to Centonove was not at all a last minute decision. Arriving just before dinner service, I was able to study the decor that invited so many people to Centonove's tables. The entrance exposed by large wooden framed windows with delicate candles lighting up the area creating a romantic mood with that extra touch of class. With our waiter for the evening directing us to our table, we passed seemly by the kitchen up a narrow staircase to our table. The upstairs mood suited the dinner as the walls reflected the night sky, with the brightly-lit stars adorning each table to again create a romantic mood.

The menu I felt did not completely reflect the seasonal weather we have been having, but I think I was being fussy as I was trying to scrutinise every moment of this dining experience. For my prima (first) course, I choose the crumbed and lightly fried blue swimmer crab cakes with a chilli jam. Accompanied by three others the quail tartina seemed to be a smart choice as well. With our drinks supplied within moments of ordering, we were able to continue to scan the menu to decide what would follow.

Within ten to fifteen minutes our entrees arrived, as they were placed in front of us the vibrant colours of the dishes painted the table like one of Michelangelo's artistic masterpieces. The crab cakes were light and the tomato chilli jam sweet. Although fresh and tasty, I felt there was something missing, I felt that it lacked flavour even though it was complimented by the chilli jam. Again, I suspect I was picking at the menu just for the sake of it, as the simplicity of the fried crab cake was satisfying.

Second was something I was definitely looking forward to, as I was to choose something that I felt was a slightly unusual marriage of flavours. I chose the pan-fried barramundi on a bed of rocket and cannellini beans. Cannellini beans with barramundi? Yes that is correct, however unusual it sounded to me I could not wait for the experience. With flawless timing the secondi course had arrived. The barramundi fillet was well proportioned for a main, not to small and not too big but just right. As I took my first bite I was had quite a surprise, the barramundi fillet was cooked to absolute perfection. Slightly seared without over cooking the delicate flesh of the barramundi. The second bite was another surprise, as I could not believe how well the cannellini beans complemented the moist and delicious fillet. It just permeated flavour and texture, the beans were soft almost like a puree without any strong flavoured herbs to mask the pure essence of barramundi.

To finish of the beautifully delicate meal I choose to sweeten my tooth with the millefoglie with stewed apple and rhubarb topped with fresh double cream. For myself this would complete the devine experience just perfectly. Once again my eyes were exposed to the abundance of colour that filled the plate. Once again with the colour followed the delicate flavours. The apple was sweet with the rhubarb slightly tangy neutralised with the fresh cream and the sweet pastry. Enjoying the dish so much I was horribly disappointed to find only one piece inedible rhubarb. Despite that (as I feel I was being far too meticulous) the dessert was the best experience of the evening with a simple but perfect combination of apple and rhubarb. Well done to the patissier.

The question I asked myself at the end of the night was what would improve my experience if I were to return? Absolutely nothing! A devine meal with devine service, an absolutely delicious experience and by far one of the best I have had. I do however recommend being seated downstairs for lunch service.

Food:			Visit: Sun 6 April 2008
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Posted by: Sarah1 | 26 April 2007, 9.07pm

A group of girlfriends and I recently had lunch at Centonove. They offered a $30 lunch special which was two courses and a glass of wine - quite possibly the best dining value I've ever experienced. The food was amazing, so full of flavour, great-sized portions and clearly very fresh produce. I returned the next week for dinner with my husband and another couple, we were all impressed beyond expectations, not only by the food but also the service. I am in the process of booking my husband's birthday dinner at Centonove. They have a private dining room for 40 and they have been so helpful with the plans - I can't wait for the night. I'm sure it will be amazing!

Food:			Visit: Thu 26 April 2007 Mealtime: lunch
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