Zucca and Brazan

A very fine wine, a not so fine picture (thanks HTC!)

Mrs. Claret and I have developed a cunning modus operandi for eating out at fine restaurants - rock up to the hottest ticket in town, without a booking, but at a slightly non-standard time (perhaps 6.30pm, or 9pm). Accept any seat, even if it is at the counter (which is frequently the case). Think you can't get a table at Bocca di Lupo for love nor money? Think again!

Last night, we "dropped in" to Zucca, in Bermondsey, and got ringside seats with not only a good view of the open kitchen but also the opportunity to salivate over multiple vintages of Sassicaia and Ornellaia, stored just above the counter.

This Italian yearling has shot from nowhere to receiving almost unanimous rave reviews, for its very high quality Italian cooking and an all-Italian wine list of herculean proportions, but lilliputian pricing. We weren't disappointed with our starters of fresh (and uncooked) peas with mint and pecorino, and the most wonderful lupini …