LA BELLA: Stepping out in Lees

La Bella

August 2009
LA BELLA,
57-59 High Strret,
Lees
THERE has been something of an explosion in the proliferation of Italian restaurant in Saddleworth in the last few months.
And one such destination to appear on the dining map is La Bella, on the High Street in Lees (above left), formerly home to well-known Chinese restaurant Ho-Hos.
The basic layout has not changed, bar and tables to the right, a few more to the left and a staircase to the main dining area straight ahead, the upper floor benefiting hugely from the roof space, open to the eaves that give a real sense of space and tranquility.
We were seated upstairs, where minimalist decor was of the white and aubergine variety with high-backed brown and white leather chairs.
The menu through up plenty to choose from though very little to surprise dear I say very traditional Italian.
We had discussed the aforementioned colour scheme so when Mrs W saw aubergine among the starters Melanzane alla Caprese (£6.50) -s he was hooked.
It came delightfully presented, the warm vegetable layered in a stack with tomato and buffalo mozzarella and served with a basil dressing.
I had also gone for cheese Formaggio di capra al forno (£5.50) goats cheese on a crouton tartlet with rocket and topped by a superb fig marmalade that really set it off to a tee.
The plate had been beautfully decorated by drizzled balsamic viegar which also added to the flavours on offer.
We went 50-50 and, very unusually, actually preferred each others, but it was very marginal among excellence.
We opted for very different main courses and, fromt he outset decided no exchanges necessary (though I did sneak a forkfull).
Mrs W went for chicken Pollo alla champagne (£11.95) a pink creamy sauce of onions, asparagus and the bubbly. Again the taste matched thoughtful presentation.
I had spied monkfish wrapped in parma ham (£15.50) Code di rospo pugliese which was topped by prawns and cooked with a touch of chilli.
An excellent choice and, with three rolls of fish, very filling too.
The meals came with sauted potatoes, carrots and cauliflower cheese and we indulged in a side order of spinach (£2.50) with cinnamon and nutmeg.
We finished off our wine before taking on pudding a strawberry and champagne mousse and traditional profiteroles.
Two coffees to complete the meal and even these had a touch of class, the clever designs on the top a real work of art that stayed, to coin the phrase of an old ad campaign ... all the way to the bottom of the cup.
A touch over £65 for the two of us in a busy yet not stressed environment with suitable Italian background music.
You could of course choose pasta and pizza dishes that would substantially cut the cost.
Which ever way, very enjoyable.