La Scala on Jersey
Editorial
La Scala on Jersey is the restaurant embodiment of Paddington – a little quirky and very stylish. It cleverly accessorises its Italian cuisine with a funky cocktail bar, an array of dining spaces and a comfortable atmosphere. Polished floorboards, local artwork, bowls of fresh produce and ambient lighting combine to create a place that works as an extension of Paddington’s boutiques, art stores and residents. Begin your experience with one of the restaurant’s cocktails; perhaps the signature raspberry and lemongrass martini? When you’re ready, move on to a communal high-table in a room that can be made private with the use of curtains; a dining area filled with bentwood chairs, white-set tables and artworks or a modern-meets-country section where an installation of bare, hanging light bulbs meets black metallic chairs, baskets of fresh produce and mirrored panels listing restaurant specials.
The sense of style is also an introduction to chef Darren Simpson’s cuisine. Having worked for some very noteworthy restaurants in Australia and overseas (including The River Cafe in London), Simpson has brought his signature dishes to La Scala. As a starter (or cocktail companion), deep-fried dates with pancetta, celery seeds and an almond replacing the pip in the centre, come recommended. The staff will also keenly suggest Pino’s nduja – a spicy “nude” spreadable salami with gherkins and croutons. Antipasti present options like carpaccio Cipriani (the real deal) and osso (roast veal bone marrow, parsley salad and bruschetta). For mains you may want to try Simpson’s pollo orvietano (organic chicken, wild fennel, potatoes, olives and Parmigiano Reggiano) or Portugese-inspired caldo verde (salt cod soup, organic kale, borlotti beans, potatoes, Lakelands olive oil and chilli). Pair your meal with another cocktail or a glass from the refined wine list and finish with Simpson’s rendition of Rose Gray’s chocolate nemesis.
Agnes Gajewska, May 2010
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