Lifespan of a Chennette

Il Tempio, Fitts Village, St James

Italian obviously. I have been here twice and I like it. It’s pricey (the ice cream alone while very good, costs about the same as a typical fast food meal) but has a nice atmosphere and usually friendly attentive service. Plus it is ON the beach – what more can one ask from a restaurant, but the opportunity to sit in candlelight looking out at waves, while getting simple, but tasty Italian meals. Of course, that nice candlelight doesn’t make for great pictures, not having a DSLR just yet. But, you can get the idea of the ambience.

Upon arrival, you get a little tidbit from the chef, some nice tiny mouthful of something. And a personal greeting etc from the nice Italian owners. The service the first time was excellent – frequent refilling of water glasses, quick delivery of hot bread when more was requested and generally good attention to the diners. The second time was just as friendly, but not quite as attentive, but they were very busy with some large parties, perhaps. Friendliness can forgive a lot, so I’ll wait to assess the service again at a third visit.

The bruschetta was pretty good – slice of tomato, slice of cheese and basil leaf, grilled…mmmm. I always try the bruschetta. Always different in every restaurant! Their homemade pastas have really nice flavours, even if the servings are a bit small. The pasta pictured was agnolotti stuffed with cheese in a walnut and gorgonzola cream sauce. Very nice. Very creamy. Straight to my sinuses by next morning, but it was worth it (well, maybe it was that AND the chocolate and hazelnut gelato I had after). I also had (with Lilandra) the Ravioloni alla Sorrentina (pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese and asparagus in a cherry tomato sauce (this is what we had right? or was there a special we ordered? I forgot to write it down).

The gelatos are excellent and creamy. But about BDS$20. Starters range from about BDS$25 to $40. Main courses start from about $38. US $1 = BDS$ 2. The menus are available online, so you can get the idea.