The Italian wine bar has launched a dangerously moreish menu
There’s no need to worry about drinking on an empty stomach at Veeno. Launched in Manchester by two friends who missed their country’s tradition of aperitvo (drinking, nibbling and relaxing after work), the Italian wine bar boasts excellent food and wine in equal measure…much like Italy itself.
Wines come from Caruso & Minini, Veeno’s family vineyard in Sicily - where great-grandfather Antonio planted the first vines in the XIX century - while authentic spuntini (small plates designed for sharing) serve up the best Italian produce.
the Italian wine café boasts excellent food and wine in equal measure…much like Italy itself
Not only that, the menu has recently expanded with an array of tempting additions: from super-fresh salads to hot spuntini like beef and veal meatballs, classic lasagne and baked aubergine parmigiana. Cold newcomers, meanwhile, include a variety of traditional meats and cheeses. Our favourites? Truffle salami and taleggio cheese, both gorgeously earthy and dangerously moreish.
Bruschette (breads with various toppings) have also been expanded. New flavours include pear with taleggio and fig jam; grilled courgettes, cherry tomatoes and rocket; and smoked salmon, mascarpone and dill.
And of course, what would a new Italian menu be without Italy’s most famous import? Yes, pizza is also getting a slice of the action with piquant new toppings like bresaola, rucola e parmigiano (tomato sauce, mozzarella, bresaola, rocket salad and parmigiano leaves) and nduja e fiordilatte, featuring Calabria’s famous spicy pork.
Feeling hungry? We recommend trying one of Veeno’s legendary sharing boards; perfect for sampling a wider range of meats, cheeses and/or bruschette.
Needless to say, Veeno caters for all wine palates too. On our latest visit, we enjoyed the family rose Tasari Syrah - dry but fresh, with subtle berry notes - and Tasari Catarratto, a refreshing light white with undertones of tropical fruits and honey. Tasari Nero D'Avola’s, a ruby red with notes of liquorice and raspberry, went down just as well…good job for all those nibbles.
Buon appetito!
