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Bella Vedere

Bella Vedere’s Saturday night set menu should appeal to diners who like an element of surprise. On an autumn evening, the country house is aglow with candlelight, an open fire beckons and rows of polished wine glasses gleam. At 8.15pm, the cooking team announces the menu. The knowledgeable sommelier discusses each wine, and formal wait-staff present five courses of unpretentious, rustic fare. Fresh red chillies add subtle heat to a warming borlotti bean soup; a spanner crab sandwich is served with a plate-lickingly creamy tarragon and parsley dressing; tender, pink veal cutlets follow; and a choux pastry puff bursts with rich, peppery cream cheese. Although lovely, the lemon pudding is probably not the grand climax you hoped for. For those who prefer to choose their own adventure, a similarly impressive à la carte menu is available the rest of the week.