You’d be forgiven for missing the opening of Fumo.
Not for the lack of fanfare, lack of positive feedback via social media, or even advertising.
More for it’s location. It’s in the perfect spot…. Once the walls shrouding the tram line work on St Peter’s Square are dismantled. Though it’s a delightfully busy space now, once the summer arrives, the wall is removed and the space is opened up, cafe culture will come to that part of the city.
For now, it’s still little bit of a hidden gem.
This isn’t a full review, I’m saving that for when I head in with a date. This was more of an arranged date gone wrong. I began perched at the bar, ready for a night with two of my favourite ladies, and ended on my own while one stayed at home with her poorly boy and the other disappeared off with her husband.
Not one to begrudge a change of plan, I decided dinner at the bar, watching the orchestral manoeuvres of busy bar staff and sampling a cocktail or two would hold me in good stead.
I began the night with a Bitter Truth cocktail. I love bitter flavours and though they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, this is one of the best bits about Fumo. There are sweet cocktails, there are savoury cocktails, there are sour cocktails, there are bitter cocktails, there are fizzy cocktails, there are floral cocktails.
There’s something for everyone.
There’s even a sweeter version of a Negroni if you need it softening, heavier fizzy cocktails if you don’t want it too light and sweet (and the wine list is mighty fine too).
As I sipped and my second date was whisked away by her husband, the alcohol went to my head a little. I’d just done a gym session and hadn’t eaten. This was soon remedied. A couple of recommendations later, and when the plates arrived, I realised I’d been a little, er, enthusiastic.
Pasta with porcini and truffle, arancini (damn my weakness for deep fried things) and the most delicious coated, fried courgette.
As expected the pasta was rich, and delicious, the pappardelle perfectly and al dente, and the arancini? I sampled both the truffled version from the specials board and the Sicilian. Both divine.
Whilst I nibbled, I sipped on a new cocktail from one of the bartenders, One Appealing Rye – Rye Whiskey from Few Spirits mixed with (amongst other things) Aurum orange brandy liqueur. Soft citrus, spicy whiskey, and an ice ball that I watched being made in front of me. What more could a girl ask?
Plenty it seems.
Fumo do a selection of sorbets, and I’ve sampled everything from the pina colada (they use fresh coconut so it’s not overly sweet), to the strawberry, to the tomato and basil, which has a surprising little kick. My favourite for a dessert was the affrograto, but the elderflower and mint (shown here a little defrosted) is added to fizz, to make a charming little cocktail and whilst intense in flavour in sorbet form, would be much softer in the drink. Another one on my try list.
After a sneaky visit upstairs to have a look at the other dining space and the as yet unused lounge area, it’s plain to see Fumo has much more up it’s sleeve than great Italian dining.
I can’t wait to see.
All food and drink consumed was paid for by me.
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