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We resume our gastronomic explorations and begin with something new, at least for us, that takes us back to Biella. Here, clues lead us to "The Lobster," a bistro where the sea dictates the cuisine. We're pleased to meet up with an old acquaintance: Simone, formerly of the Croce Bianca in Oropa, then at Villa Crespi in Orta, and at "Il Venti," also in Biella, with trips to Great Britain as well—in short, a professional we know we can trust. Indeed, we find him waiting for us at the door, which he shows us around, after introducing us to the other colleagues who share the work in the dining room. The setting is bistro-like more by necessity (the long, narrow architectural layout is made the most of with typical bistro benches) than by the idea that many people have of a bistro, that is, a more austere and spartan place than a "restaurant." Indeed, the main room and its side rooms are furnished in a minimalist style, absolutely elegant and refined, with beautiful paintings on the walls.
Simone offers us the menu, from which we choose the five-course tasting version: amberjack tartare with strawberries and basil, spaghetti with scampi cream, spicy octopus soup and grilled boneless red mullet, and gianduia parfait. Everything is exquisite, especially the tartare and spaghetti, which are exquisitely delicate. The ingredients are incredibly fresh. We accompany the dinner with mineral water and a bottle of 2024 Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo from the Valentini winery: a possible treat thanks to Simone's skill as a sommelier. Dessert is paired with a rum agricole. We spend €120 per person, but the "Dialogo" tasting menu is priced at €65; the difference is due to the Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, but at the end of the meal we were happy we chose it: an engaging experience. In short, we have found another star in the Biella area that must be tried.
