Cova Dei Saraceni (Gourmet Chick in Italy)

Cova Dei Saraceni is part of the only five star hotel in Positano and it is a hotel restaurant in every sense of the word, complete with a piano player. However, on the bright side the food is quite good and unless you ware sitting on a beach chair it is hard to get any closer to the beach front in Positano while you eat.

As you would expect in such a location, the choice of seafood on the menu was plentiful. A trolley was wheeled to the table from which you could select your fish or lobster. I was there with a large group and we opted to order several serves of the baby calamari for everyone to share as an entree. The calamari was delicious comprising tiny tender portions which were lightly salted although I did worry about the sustainable aspect of such a dish.

As my main course I had selected the sea bass from the earlier trolley. It was cooked in white wine with potatoes and olives and then filleted at the table. The flavours did not really permeate the fish and it was somewhat insipid. I suffered food envy upon seeing MTV boyfriend's spaghetti marinara which was chock full of mussels, claims and prawns.

The popular choice at the table for dessert was gelati which came in an array of flavours including some more unusual ones such as banana and pistachio. Having eaten enough gelati over the course of my stay in Positano to single handedly sustain the gelati industry, I opted for the wild strawberries. I had never seen wild strawberries before and I was intrigued to discover the difference between these and regular strawberries. The difference was that they were absolutely tiny. It took a spoonful of the strawberries to create even a mouthful, and indeed this was the best way to eat them.

For a hotel restaurant, Cova Dei Saraceni was quite good, however to say this is somewhat damning the place with faint praise.

Details: Via Regina Giovanna, 5
Damage: Reasonable
7/10

Donna Rosa (Gourmet Chick in Italy)

In a beautiful place like Positano on the Italian Amalfi Coast where every corner provides you with a new picture postcard view, Donna Rosa is in the minority. It offers no sea views and is located far enough up the cliff away from the main town that you need to catch a taxi there, or if you want a fantastic experience, try the local bus as MTV boyfriend and I did. However, what Donna Rosa lacks in location and panoramic views it makes up for in the food department.

The team of chefs in the kitchen appears to comprise entirely a group of Italian nonnas and the wait staff are mainly family members. The staff are very welcoming and service is attentive.

MTV boyfriend and I took advantage of the balmy evening to sit out on the balcony and began our meal with an entree of parma ham and melon. The melon was fresh and provided a refreshing contrast to the salty taste of the parma ham.

As we ate I noticed that two of the other tables in the restaurant were drinking wines served from elegant decanters. I assumed that they were drinking expensive wine as the extensive wine list included a section with bottles for 300 euros. However, it was with some amusement that I watched as our modestly priced bottle of Chianti (30 euros) was wheeled to the table by the sommelier on a trolley and then tasted and decanted in an elaborate ritual. A bit over the top perhaps, but the wine was delicious for the price and complemented the pasta feast that was to follow.

MTV boyfriend and I had ordered the "fantasy pasta" for two, which may have lost something in the translation as it was not quite as exciting as it sounded and essentially meant the chef's selection. The pasta was served on rather kitsch plates divided into three portions, but there was no doubting the taste of the pasta. I began with the fettuccine with prawns and cherry tomatoes with a hint of sauce. This was probably the highlight for me as it was so simple and summery. Then there was ravioli of spinach and cheese in a rich napoli sauce. The ravioli was light as a feather but incredibly rich and filling. Finally there was linguine with mushrooms and shaved truffles. The delicate flavour of the truffles was somewhat lost and this was really the only portion of the "fantasy" that disappointed.

Desserts were a traditional selection and we both opted for the chocolate souffle as we were still finishing our Chianti and in my mind there is no greater flavour combination than red wine and chocolate. The souffle was a textural experience: a crispy exterior, light and fluffy inside and oozing pools of rich chocolate sauce.

After the souffle we could have almost rolled down the hill back to Positano. It was one of those evenings when you should have worn something with an elasticated waist if it was not for the fact that you were in Italy and trying to not totally disgrace yourself around the super stylish Italians.

Details: Via Montepertuoso 97/99, Positano. Telephone: +39 089 811 806
Damage: Pricey
9/10

Hotel Fox (Gourmet Chick in Denmark)

I have to admit that this is not really a proper review, but the breakfast at Hotel Fox where MTV boyfriend and I stayed in Copenhagen, Denmark was so cool that it just deserved to get a mention on here.

At design driven Hotel Fox (where each room is decorated by a different artist), breakfast is also designer. Each portion is served in glasses. Breakfast comprises a glass of orange juice, coffee, muesli, yoghurt, fruit compote and even pancakes. The collection of glasses is served on small trays which you eat from while perched on the low slung futuristic seating.

Super cool and delicious in Copenhagen.

Details: Hotel Fox, 3 Jarmers Plads, Copenhagen V DK-1551

Damage: Reasonable

8/10

Cafe Wilder (Gourmet chick in Denmark)

There is a concept in Denmark called Hygge which means something akin to cosy, hugging and warmth. It is a concept to look for in restaurants in a country that has to endure such dark winter months.

I found my own version of Hygge at Cafe Wilder in Copenhagen. During the day there are plenty of outside tables to soak up the sun, including the thoughtful addition of blankets to soak up the chill when the sun is not participating. At night time candles are lit at the tables and the patrons squeeze into the bustling interior.

When MTV boyfriend and I were in Copenhagen it was somewhat inbetween summer and winter, but nevertheless we headed for Cafe Wilder. Our waitress was friendly and translated the menu for us so that we were fairly confident in what we had ordered. I had salmon fillet which was baked in a napoli sauce. Admittedly, this sounds like somewhat of an unusual combination but the sauce was quite light and did not overpower the salmon. It was comfort food, filling and tasty. Just the thing to warm up a chilly Danish evening.

Details: 56 Wildersgade, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Damage: Reasonable
7/10