Restaurants


Restaurants - E: kensington@myvillage.co.uk
Feature: Aldo's disappearing act - 19/06/01

My new best friend Aldo Zilli, invited me to accompany him to the Theme bar and Restaurant Awards, which took place last night at the plush Café Royal. I met up with Aldo and his friends Anthony and Rachel and after a few glasses of wine we all headed down to the awards.

We were ushered to the main hall before dinner for drinks and peanuts, I was surprised to see such a young crowd, I gather it's the new breed of restaurateurs and bar managers. My stomach was growling so I couldn't get to my table soon enough, dinner was now being served, quiche for starters, salmon for the main and chocolate pudding for desert (for those who want to know!)

To my left I had the charming Aldo and to my right Red Or Dead designer Wayne Hemingway, who I'm pleased to say has seen MyVillage.com and has recently branched out into design, hence his presence at awards.

After our little chat I excused myself and went to the ladies were I was mortified to see that I had green salad stuck on my tooth, it was there the whole time I was talking and smiling away to Wayne. (can you believe it!).

Aldo was enjoying himself ordering wine, there seemed to be a never-ending stream coming to our table - not that anyone was complaining. Aldo was nominated for the 'best restaurant in London' award but unfortunately the award went elsewhere. He was scheduled to hand out an award later that evening, however prior to that happening, whilst we were talking about what he should say and do on stage, he told me a story about a time when he was at another award ceremony with pal Chris Evans.

They both decided to go awol telling everyone that they were simply going to the toilet - it was at this time that alarm bells started ringing.
Lighting up a cigarette, I forgot about it and was busy chatting to Rachel and Anthony when Aldo announced he would be back soon - just going to the loo.

Now you know what's coming next, it was just before he was due to give out an award that I realised he had been gone a long time, Yes Aldo had done a runner and when his name was called he was nowhere to be seen. But it gets better than that, the waiter walked over to me and asked me where Mr Zilli was as his bill was unpaid and could I settle it. I said no, waited until he was out of view and then like Aldo, did a runner! Nadia

Aldo Interview

 

The Winners...

Best Bartender
Andres Masso

Best Marketing
Yo! Sushi

Best Interior Design
Hakkasan

Best Drinks Selection and Presentation
Che

Most Influential Individual
Eric Yu (Breakfast Group)

Best Food Offer
Six-13

Best Cafe
Carluccio's Deli Cafe

Best Use of Technology
Yates' (Leicester Square)

Best Branded Operation
Elbow Room

Best Bar
Soshomatch

Best Restaurant
Cecconi's

Features





Archive 2001
Food News and Features Archive 2001

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