FOOD FILE:The hottest seats in Bray, Co Wicklow at the moment are the bar stools in the tiny Campo de Fiori Italian delicatessen, where you can order the "Friday night aperitivo" - a glass of Prosecco accompanied by a tray of tasty nibbles including frittata, pizza and tiny sandwiches - before heading across the road to the restaurant of the same name for a delicious dinner.
The deli is well stocked with authentic Italian goodies such as buffalo mozzarella, smoked scamorza, pancetta, and those antipasti staples of sundried tomatoes, mushrooms and aubergines in oil. "You feel as if you're away," says one Friday-night regular, and it's certainly cheaper than a trip to the airport.
Marco Roccasalvo, chef and owner of Campo de Fiori, is now bringing the truly Italian experience to the Dublin suburb of Ranelagh, where he has just opened a cafe/deli/wine bar called Pinocchio, along with business partners Marco Giannantonio and Maurizio Mastrangelo. Pinocchio, which is under Ranelagh Luas stop, will open for coffee in the morning, serve light meals all day, and function as a wine bar at night, serving wines they import themselves. A selection of oils and vinegars, cheeses and cured meats will be on sale all day.
Pinocchio, Ranelagh Luas stop, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, 01-4970111;
Campo de Fiori, 1 Albert Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow, 01-2764257