La Rosa, Wellington
[gallery] A little taste of Italy just on your doorstep. The streets of Wellington can hardly be compared to those of Venice, but one of its restaurants could be (at a slightly cheaper price), writes Lisa Bailey.
La Rosa seems hidden away in the town and we only visited because our new neighbours had stumbled upon it. They are now regulars and are always singing its praises.
We popped in on a Thursday night and at first it seemed very quiet, but within 10 minutes a party of 10 had arrived and a couple of other tables were also taken. La Rosa was suddenly busy and there was only one waitress at hand.
I have to say she was brilliant. Not once did she falter and no-one seemed to be constantly trying to get her attention – she instinctively knew when she was needed.
The atmosphere was great.
While my husband admired the perfectly manicured green grass at the church gardens over the road I looked through the menu and read the specials board.
There was a wide choice of starters and on the specials board including mussels in white wine sauce (£5.50), which could have easily distracted me as they are a firm favourite.
Not wanting to peak too soon, we opted for a cheese and mushroom garlic bread (£3.75) as a starter. The base was pizza like and the cheese and mushroom tasted good – I can't say that the taste of the garlic overwhelmed me and it could quite easily have had more.
The main course was a difficult decision – I was torn between steak, duck or fish. I chose Anatra All'arancia – Barbary duck breast cooked in a sweet orange sauce with a shot of Tia Maria, served with a salad dressing and chips (£18).
The duck was too well done – I prefer it pink. Putting that to one side, the sauce was tangy but not overpowering.
It was enjoyable and the chips were piping hot and substantial.
Neil opted for Pollo Alla Francesco (£13.95), which was Chicken breast cooked with onions, peppers and mushrooms in a tomato sauce served with a side risotto. The risotto was fluffy and light and the chicken was tender and perfectly complemented by the vegetables and sauce.
Throughout the meal the waitress was attentive and seemed to have it all under control.
For dessert, Neil had crème caramel (£3.95) and I chose pannacotta (traditional Italian dessert topped with caramelised fruit (£3.95).
Neil's classic crème caramel was presented well, but at the same time the squirty cream around the dessert seemed to cheapen it a little. Neil said the crème caramel was light and tasty, but he did not take to the cream!
I fared far better with my dessert – the pannacotta was deliciously light and creamy, which contrasted perfectly with the caramelised fruit.
We had previously visited La Rosa and I have to say the food was better on that occasion – I would have then awarded it four stars. On this occasion the whole evening had been delightful, but the food was three star.
ADDRESS
19 Church Street Wellington, Telford TF1 1DD
Tel:01952 254 666
MENU SAMPLE
Starters
Mussels in a white wine sauce (£5.50)
Bresaola slices on fresh rocket salad sprinkled with grana cheese served with toasted bread (£5.25)
MAINS
Sea bass sizzled in white wine and cooked with cubed peaches (£16.50)
Penne al salmon (£10.50)
DESSERTS
Tiramisu (£3.95)
Pancake wrapped around chocolate nuttelle, sprinkled with ground fresh nuts and dressed with chocolate sauce and ice cream (£3.75)
SERVICE
Excellent
ATMOSPHERE
Great
DISABLED FACILITIES
No disabled access
