As someone who actively enjoys cooking, I’ve never been one to subscribe to the belief we should head out to a restaurant because we can’t be bothered to do the work ourselves.
Instead, I prefer to see it as an opportunity to be treated by someone who can simply do the job better.
The Italian Connection in Sleaford. Photo: Iliffe Media
If it’s ease you want then just get one of those lovelessly mass produced burgers passed to you through your car window or, even worse, pay an eye-watering amount extra for a bloke with a big, square insulated bag to bring it to your door 90 minutes later, just as it’s starting to go cold.
If it’s good food you want, then find yourself a good restaurant. Or gamble by heading to one that’s new to you.
I do enjoy the thrill of entering a place for the first time, completely unaware of what to expect (I try to dodge the spoilers of an online menu) but buzzing with that heady anticipation.
My pollo melanzane was a nice mix of tastes. Photo: Iliffe Media
For me, The Italian Connection in Sleaford was blank canvas when I visited earlier this year with my wife Laura and son Connor, even if it did come highly recommended by one third of our party.
Whilst operating as The Italian Connection, the sign out front styled this restaurant as The Italian Connection II.
Whether or not this spot began life as a sister venue to The Italian Connection just down the road in Boston, I don’t know, I’m just guessing. But the numerals are there for all to see.
The calzone came with a healthy dollop of bolognaise sauce. Photo: Iliffe Media
Now, if this is the case, there is a belief amongst some that sequels are inferior. But as Home Alone, Paddington and, of course, The Godfather have proven, sticking a 2 at the end of something doesn’t have to be a sign of a drop in quality anymore.
And that was certainly the case here, as my pollo melanzane arrived.
This chicken breast, pan fried with aubergines, tomato and mozarella was an absolutely delightful mix of flavours that just complemented each other superbly.
The kids’ pizza. Photo: Iliffe Media
Add in the rich sauce and my sides of nicely chunky chips and tastily dressed salad and the clash of tastes was bellissimo, another Italian meal which fills you up more than you expect.
Yep, we were being treated by someone who could clearly do the job a lot better than me.
Laura, who has dined here before, went for the calzone, having enviously watched others tuck in around her previously.
The artwork was a nod to Italy… and some Italian-American pop culture. Photo: Iliffe MediaInside the Italian Connection. Photo: Iliffe Media
Not missing out again, her eyes popped as the meal arrived.
Ham, pepperoni, spinach and mozarella were all inside her rolled up pizza base, garnished with a healthy serving of bolognese for good measure.
Meanwhile, Connor, who has ridiculously simple tastes and about four go-to meals was delighted to see his favourite of pepperoni pizza on the menu.
Connor and I before our meals. Photo: Iliffe MediaLaura had recommended the place but it was new to two of us. Photo: Iliffe Media
Of course, he made sure there was room for some ice cream to finish his meal off.
A new restaurant, but some things never change.
The menu. Photo: Iliffe MediaEat my Words
Out of five:
Food: The pollo melanzane was an absolute delight. ****
Drinks: We both had a large bottle of Peroni, while Connor gulped his way through two Appletisers, his first before the meal arrived, of course. ***
Decor: Clean, comfortable and similar to many other Italian restaurants in Lincolnshire with its plain walls, decorated with images of la patria and some Italian-American pop culture references. ***
Staff: We were served by several young ladies who were all very polite and helpful. ****
Price: The meal came to a total of £61.50; melanzane £15.50, calzone £12.90, pizza £7, two large Peroni £13.80, two Appletise £5.80, dessert £6.50. ****
Read more of our Eat My Words reviews here
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Dining and Cooking