If like me you believe in serendipity you will understand my delight to be invited to ASK Italian in Amersham to try their autumn three course dessert menu. Only a few days earlier a friend and I had a long conversation about how a three-course pudding menu would be a winner and here it was, on a plate, so to speak.
Surely it can’t just be my wife who would happily forgo a starter and main for two or even three puddings?
ASK Italian have a reputation for sensitively occupying historic buildings and this is clearly the case in Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire, which boasts a huge log filled fire place and a plethora of 18th century beams.
ASK Italian’s three course dessert menu costs £12.95 and does exactly what it says on the tin. Available at all ASK restaurants this menu takes traditional Italian ingredient and transforms them with a playful twist based on more traditional British tastes.
As a starter we are offered Baked Chocolate Gnocci (vegan) which is a sweet mini chocolate Gnocci, filled with Nutella and served with a chocolate sauce, which, when punctured by the accompanying cocktail stick, pleasingly oozes warm chocolate.
Next up is Rhubarb and Custard Ravioli and yes you read that right. Pink pasta filled with Rhubarb contrasts with the vanilla custard, set off with rhubarb compote and fine crumble. Once my taste buds had caught up with my eyes, I realised that I had underestimated Ravioli, which here is just as good as its more frequently seen savoury cousin.
After the Gnocci and Ravioli I needed something light and refreshing and I couldn’t begin to imagine what ASK Italian would come up with. I have to say that they don’t disappoint.
To finish, three perfect scoops of Prosecco Sorbet, light, delicately perfumed and meltingly soft. This not only refreshes the palate but is a perfect accompaniment to a double Espresso.
This menu is available until October 24th 2019 at all ASK Italian Restaurants and at £12. 95 is well worth experimenting with the sweet stuff.
Michael Rowan ate at ASK Italian, 12, The Broadway, Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire. HP7 OHP