Aldo Zilli docks in Brighton (Venues)
Restaurateur and renowned chef Aldo Zilli recently opened his newest restaurant, Zilli Brasserie, to coincide with the official launch of myhotel Brighton. (16 July'08)
Located in Brighton's Jubilee Street, the 120-seat al fresco space greets diners with design that emerges from a unique collaboration between myhotels' harmonising use of fengshui and the artistry of crystal master Lawrence Stoller.
Curious diners are able to observe the celebrated chef at work at a table which allows up to 15 Zilli Brasserie guests to view close-up. On the opposite end of the restaurant, cosy, plush banquettes that can be partitioned into private areas provide an ideal spot for informal gatherings, casual lunches or business conferences.
The restaurant, with a total capacity of 240, serves modern Italian cuisine, with all produce sourced from local suppliers; the emphasis is on a wide variety of the freshest seafood. Starters include Deep Fried Squid with Organic Sicilian Lemon, Mussels and Cherry Tomato Stew served with Golden Stew, Beef Carpaccio and Pan Fried Scallops with Peas and Crispy Pancetta. Starters are very reasonably priced and start at £5.50. Fish main courses include Chargrilled Whole Organic Sea-bass with Olive Oil and Lemon, Whole Grilled Lobster with Olive Oil, Cajun Spices and Chips and an exceptional offering - Black Cod Marinated in Mirin, Teriyaki and Sesame Oil Served with Banana Leaves and Stir Fried Vegetables. A towering Seafood Platter including nearly every type of shellfish imaginable is available for two for £50. 
Zilli also serves Classic Veal Milanese, Surf and Turf of Chargrilled Marinated Lamb Chops and Spicy Tiger Prawns With Greek Salad, and an Organic Kobe Beef Burger.
All mains are priced between £12.50 and £25.
Pasta dishes include Aldos signature Lobster Spaghetti, Sea Bass and Potato Gnocchi with Monkfish Ragout and the ideally seasonal Pea and Mint Risotto with Shaved Pecorino Cheese.
Diners are invited to round off their meal with a delicious selection of desserts including Aldos famed Summer Tiramisu, as well as Profiteroles with Italian Custard and Hot Chocolate Sauce, or a warm Glazed Lemon Tart with Mascarpone Cream. Desserts are priced at £6.50.
Since opening his first restaurant in Soho 20 years ago, Aldo has gone
from strength to strength - his restaurants becoming a magnet for media
notables and entertainers, attracted by his delicious food and
incomparable sense of humour. Other restaurants in the Zilli Group
include Signor Zilli, Signor Zilli Bar and Zilli Café. His recently
released autobiography, Being Zilli, details a lifetime of challenges
and triumphs, awards and admiring luminaries.
Positioned on the city's regenerated North Laine area, myhotel Brighton features 80 guest rooms, spread over four floors with several creative event spaces, restaurant and bar.
The hotel shares the aesthetic ideal of Andy Thrasyvoulou and designer Karim Rashid, along with local Brighton artists and craftsmen.
Indeed, its merger of novel styling, technology and design has seen the hotel described as a place where Freddie Mercury might have met the Maharishi! Add to this the serenity of its fengshui principles and myhotel Brighton sets the seaside scene for Aldo Zilli's debut.
RK _________________________________________