Popolo (Italian: “people”)

I recently had the pleasure of escaping to the rustic Popolo, for an evening of delightful food, delicious cocktails and a long-overdue catchup with a good friend from University. But before I skip ahead to the heady delights that awaited me at this wonderful venue, I feel it imperitive to first dwell on the name.

Ever-curious, I stumbled across the below history of the term Popolo:

"In the communes (city-states) of 13th-century Italy, the popolo was a pressure group instituted to protect the interests of the commoners against the nobility. Until then, noblemen had exclusively controlled the commune governments. The popolo in Florence controlled the government 1250–60 and again after 1282. By the beginning of the 14th century, its elders formed the supreme executive of the commune."

This history is intrinsically linked to the fare on offer at Popolo. Large, hearty dishes designed to be shared between friends and an informal, communal ambience.

Wall signage

Ricotta gnochi with Italian sausage, red onion jam, pumpkin and pecorino.

 

Kingaroy suckling pig with spiced apple and peach compote and anchovy sauce

(NB. While the suckling pig and accompanying compote were delicious, the anchovy sauce proved to be an acquired taste)

Rustic wall décor

 Tiramisu- even better when it's oversized and designed to be shared (or not!)

 

Special mention must also go to the divine white rose bellini, complete with dried rose petals. Alas, I consumed it in its entirity before managing to snap a picture.

Definitely a restaurant to try on a cold, blustery eve!

Bon appétit! Xx