I was recently invited to a taster night at the newly opened Elysium restaurant. I was treated to delicious treats including mini calzone, a selection of antipasto, mini caprese (cherry tomatoes and baby mozzarella), mini bruschetta, mini arancini (rice, beef and smoked cheese balls shallow fried in a tomato sauce) and king prawns and mushrooms marinated in garlic and basil. Not forgetting the final platter including pork belly, duck and a selection of cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes.
All the food served was delicious and the thing that struck me the most was how fresh the ingredients were. To say I'm one of these who picks tomato out of sandwiches and of pizza's, I had no problem tucking straight into the bruschetta and thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the dishes I enjoyed was the mini aranchini, I had never tried anything like this before but I loved it, my only criticism would be there could of been more sauce, but I guess this was purely because it was a tasting event and the portions were smaller.
After our bellies were filled with delicious treats, the host kindly gave us a tour of the restaurant. The first part of the restaurant is the bar area where the event was held. Followed by the main dining area and open plan kitchen, there is then a little cafe which opens for breakfast and lunch. The bar and dining area have a classic sophisticated elegant feel and the pianist in the bar area is such an elegant touch.
The one thing I really picked up on here was I was made to feel so welcome and the restaurant has a great family run feel to it. The service was brilliant and the food was all incredibly fresh. I can't wait to return and try the full menu.
Sammie
Elysium Restaurant and Café Bar
66-68A Wellington St
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS1 2EE
66-68A Wellington St
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS1 2EE