Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44nside this small Italian trattoria, serving delicatessen food by day but by night transforming into a classic Italian diner, you will meet Ciro. Owner and head chef, his charm and wit moves between mischievous humour to artistic passion. The tools of his trade are not marble, paint or pencil but fresh fish, vegetables and handmade pastas. Each day Ciro’s team are rustling up traditional crusty sandwiches packed with fresh salads, pestos, fabulous olive oils, Italian cured meats and cheeses. It goes without saying that they serve superb coffee too. Nightly, candles are lit, tables are laid and this intimate space becomes a place to settle down with friends and enjoy hearty classic Italian dishes like pasta with meatballs, lasagna and seafood risotto as well as some seriously good wine. On Fridays, walking through the door is quite a different experience. Like entering the world of Narnia or perhaps a New York film-set, Flavours of Naples have created an Italy steps away from Borough tube station. Our first encounter was one such Friday, the evening was warming up with diners beginning to fill the tables and there was an air of expectation. Soft music played, reservation cards decorated the tables and there was a sense that we were joining a small private dinner party. Prosecco was served which added to the sense of occasion. We discovered that eating here on a Friday night is leisurely and not to be rushed. The four course set menu for Opera Nights is inspired by the freshest ingredients available from Borough Market that day. Each course is served to all diners at the same time which makes this experience a shared one. The guest opera singer circulates, delivering stirring and familiar arias throughout the whole evening. It’s quite breathtaking to be so close to a singer with such power and vocal skill. Although a long way from La Fenice, opera conjures up the sensuality of Italy and is a truly rich a compliment to Ciro’s Italian menu. By the end of the evening, as diners begin saying good night there is a sense of camaraderie between us all – having shared such a special time. Certainly there is plenty to talk about on our way home. To reserve your table FLAVOURS OF NAPLES 299 Borough High Street SE1 1JG t: 020 7407 5454 w: www.flavoursofnaples.com ‘‘ eating here on a Friday night is leisurely and not to be rushed naples A FLAVOUR OF A destination for lovers of fine food and music by Owen Rice 12• THE RIVER SUMMER 2016 • FOOD & DRINK