It has been some time since I have eaten there, but with the delightful situation and relaxed ambience of the old Western Extension house (pressed ceilings, wooden floors etc.,), not to mention the delicious food and treats, we whiled away a very pleasant afternoon.
Yes, you’ve guessed it, we ate at Café Bellini.
Owner Peter Bachtis opened the eatery five years ago, assisted by his sister, Kiki Caravotas, and Dawn Harrison.
Café Bellini offers a wide selection of meals, from sandwiches (filled with everything from crispy bacon and cheese to new-on-the-menu pipperato with peppered chicken fillet, freshly slice tomato and red onion, Mumbai curried mince and streak, tomato and fried onion), panninis and baguettes (with a selection of mouthwatering fillings including roasted vegetables, feta and chilli relish and mozzarella or halloumi, roasted baby plum tomatoes, rocket and pesto).
The salads also called … would it be chicken and avo with Grana Padano shavings, roasted baby tomatoes with Bellini’s balsamic dressing, or smoked salmon with salad leaves, crème fraiche, spring onions, lemon dill and bean sprouts?
Or something from the main menu … beer battered hake, chicken Cordon Bleu, a large choice of flame grills (steak, chicken or pork), wraps or perhaps pasta (Bellini’s has a chef experienced in Italian cuisine) which sounded very tempting?
In the end we selected our meals from the specials of the day, my guest opting for the tasty Trinchado (with a bit of a bite) and a baguette.
I could not resist the deep fried stuffed chicken breast (apricot, almonds and feta) served with a cheesy almond sauce, which I chose to be accompanied by delicious grilled vegetables and chips.
We thoroughly enjoyed our ample helpings (and put aside a goodly portion for another meal at home).
The restaurant offers a wonderful selection of cakes and very tempting Greek sweets and treats.
I took home a baklava, a “divine” baklava wheel and a macaroon to sample over the weekend.
I don’t have a sweet tooth, but baklava is my downfall, so needless to say the Greek treats did not last beyond Friday night!
Café Bellini is open from 8am till 4pm on Mondays, 8am to 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday and 8am to 3pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Thank you Peter for a very pleasant meal, I definitely will not let too much time elapse before I visit again. HG
