Cicciolina

I smile when I’m nervous. So when my potential mother-in-law is offering me a mouthful of her lamb’s brains delicately wrapped in prosciutto, I am almost grinning.  My eyes dart to the neat blackboard with the day’s specials and wonder why she couldn’t have ordered the yellowfin tuna carpaccio in lime-infused olive oil.

Cicciolina is nestled among Acland Street’s cakes, gelato and grungy bars; and is more than happy for all and sundry to drop by.  Which they do – so be prepared to wait.  A table may take up to an hour to empty, but the back bar assists in helping wile away the minutes.  The main restaurant is dimly lit and perfect for an intimate evening or catch up with friends; the constant chatter from neighboring tables ensuring no awkward silences. The crowd is a conglomeration of young couples, local celebrities, loyal patrons, tourists and our little dinner party.  
 
A fork is handed to me from across the table. I pause; my hand suspended an inch from the handle.  Apparently it’s the most delicious meal she’s eaten in years. My partner raises his eyebrow and winks. I dutifully place the lamb into my mouth and begin to chew.  The saltiness of the prosciutto is welcoming, although the warmth of the lamb a little unnerving.  Lovely, I say, returning the fork.

My plate of vitello tonato, a delicious combination of finely sliced veal covered in a smooth tuna sauce and sprinkled capers, is almost finished.  I’m glad I saved that last bite.

As a local who has done the dreaded "crossing the river" thing over to Melbourne's inner north, one of the few things that drag me back to St Kilda is Cicciolina. Simple, lovely, flavorsome food with a price tag that isn't too hard to handle, plus an ace wine list. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is warm and all the walls are covered in various paintings and sketches so you feel like you're eating  in a someones lounge room, albeit a classy one. Definitely a place for couples looking for a not so stupidly expensive special meal. As you can't book, large tables generally have to wait a while to be seated. Highly recommended.