Readers, I do like food and in Hathian while we’re not exactly spoilt for choice (in particular at the higher end of the market) we are often able to sample from a variety of different cuisines thanks to the melting pot of our citizens from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and of course America. What that means in practice is that when one of them does try their hand at the restaurant business we can hopefully be assured of an authentic experience.
Down in Batterie I was made aware of a brand new Italian restaurant, snappily titled Cacciatore which positions itself as a Fine Dining restaurant and lounge. I’ll test the food claims shortly, but what they mean by lounge actually translates to a bar area with additional seating and then per the owner an event space that is able to be rented out for events. Think weddings, private dining, that kind of thing.
So, considering a radio ad went out offering mimosas and a breakfast for a very reasonable price, I raided the Observer’s petty cash and headed out.
Arriving, the place was very tidy. Gleaming marble floors, serving staff in crisp polished uniforms, it was certainly a change from the Gein and I wondered if the owner would be able to sustain the running costs. However in Hathian sources of funds can be many and I’m not going to turn down white cloth table service, even if I did myself look out of place.
As you can see from the leader image, there’s a large dining room featuring a piano. Beautiful large windows throw light into the venue meaning that during the day you feel warm and safe in the open space, while I would imagine at night with the thick curtains drawn it would be cosy, despite the large area.
I met the owner, Anthony Romano Esposito and he introduced me to the extensive menus which even include a separate one for the lounge area and bar. First, in true GBTL style I tried a cocktail and I am pleased to report that champagne breakfast is perfectly possible here! Thank you Cacciatore!
Now for the menus, where when I was sitting in the dining room I was brough an extensive selection. I don’t have space to reproduce them all here, but they can be browsed at your leisure and yes… main courses are expensive, it is fine dining after all! The manager informs me there are options to select items not on the menu for those who really know their Italian.
I love scallops but considering it was early, this was all I was able to try (and afford on my expense budget). When the food came, it was excellent… perfectly textured risotto, with just the right amount of scallops to be generous but not take away from the other parts of the dish. Well done to the chef! After I had eaten (and finished that cocktail readers!) I was shown the kitchen which was gleaming and new before the manager posed for a few photos and a quote at the end of the experience. Overall, I give this a great food and drink score 9/10, but this is fine dining… pack your credit card accordingly and prepare to pawn the family jewels!
Taxis are available HERE
Overall, a good place and now it’s just time to convince Stanley to increase my expense budget. Wining and Dining the people in Hathian just got a lot more expensive!
“Cacciatore’s, a high end place for everyone as even a crackhead can go to the thrift store and buy a suit.”
Anthony Romano Esposito
