Citylife in Lichfield September 2020

Dining Review
Sparkling Italian Brunch
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We’ve eaten at Café Prego several times in recent months
and so know that their food and quality of service is first
class – so when we heard that they were hosting an
Italian Brunch on a Saturday early in August we couldn’t wait to
book a table, and we sent two willing and hungry participants to
indulge and enjoy! Jono Oates tells us more.
Café Prego is situated at the Creative Plants Garden Nursery at
Shenstone Woodend, a short drive from Shenstone village and roughly
half-way between Lichfield and Mere Green. The café has been open for
well over a year and after an enforced closure during lockdown is now
back fully open again, having introduced safe seating measures and having
all the Government approved guidelines in place.
The sun was definitely shining on this little slice of Italy as we arrived
on one of the hottest days of the summer accompanied by a cloudless
blue sky! The Café Prego team had planned for both outside and inside
seating so myself and my dining partner, Helen, were shown to our al
fresco table in the courtyard at the far side of the café, where we were
surrounded by green fields on one side and olive trees on the other –
very Mediterranean!
Within a few minutes a smiley waitress brought a loaded platter of
Italian delicacies to the table. It took quite a while to take it all in as the
platter board seemed to go on forever and was about the size of Lake
Garda! It was loaded with fine Italian cheeses, meats, olives, peppers,
breads, savoury biscuits, vegetables, salads, grapes, soups, dips and much
more! The only problem was – just where did we start?
We set to this task with Italian gusto but before we did our waitress
appeared with two super sparkly glasses of chilled Prosecco which, on a
hot day, was definitely just the ticket! Suitably refreshed we both eagerly
diced in to the platter and graciously agreed to start at either end and
work our way into the middle!
The minestrone soup was served in very cute little branded Café
Prego cups and was just the right amount to provide a taste of the pasta
and vegetable soup without being too filling, and it was perfect with a
slice of crusty ciabatta bread – and yes I did dunk my bread in!
The platter was a great way to experience lots of different dishes and
it was ideal finger food that could be picked up and nibbled on.
As we munched away in our pretty courtyard setting we could enjoy
the warm sunshine and the smell of the Italian trees and bushes that
surround the outside seating area and which the Garden Nursery
specialises in. Other than the contented murmurs of fellow diners it was
very quiet with just the noise of the birds in the trees and the flapping
of the canopies in the background – despite the fact that the Birmingham
Road is just a few metres away, the courtyard is securely sound-proofed
by the trees and you are not aware of the cars driving on the main road
– it is a very peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy your meal.
The platter was very filling and we were definitely satisfied, although
we could have added a tasty tiramisu to our brunch we decided to pass
and were very happy to receive a complimentary shot of chilled
limoncello instead, which refreshed the palate a treat!
As we happily meandered our way through the olive trees back to the
car park we met Café Prego owner Heather, who told us that most of
the food was imported directly from Italy, with the cheeses being
supplied by The Cheese Cavern in Lichfield – a lovely combination of
local and international cuisine.
Heather also told us that she is planning to put on more Italian Brunch
events and we highly recommend that you book in as soon as possible
due to its popularity.
‘Buon appetito!’
Café Prego is at Creative Plants Nursery on the Birmingham Road,
Shenstone Woodend, Nr Lichfield WS14 0LB, opening times vary,
telephone 01543 481640 for information or visit
www.creativeplants.co.uk.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours