Let me immediately ‘fess up that I hardly expected Buzo to be cool in that warm, fuzzy way that Osteria San Lorenzo is in Beauchamp Place (the late Princess Diana’s favourite London restaurant) – you know, gorgeous people watching other gorgeous people, all wearing the ‘right’ labels, with stylish interior details complete with vases of lush-looking roses, tall, elegant waiters and the opportunity to share a latte, after, with Lorenzo. Plus that can’t-wait-to-return feeling.

Silly me to underestimate the combined genius of Peter George and Cristian Grini, who have, at 6A Warner Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad, provided a setting where comfort-style Italian fare is enjoyed in a setting that is just as chic — Ciao la famiglia Beckham, Mr & Mrs Carter & Blue Ivy, not to mention the Caribbean’s own global fabulocracy and expats who enjoy dining out.

Fact is, directors George and Grini are unapologetic in their quest to register the twin island republic as a culinary destination.

First things first, though: where to sit?

The strategically placed bar, where martinis are stirred (or shaken, for that matter) and fritto misto — shrimp, calamari and zucchini dusted and fried and frittura di funghi — Portobello mushroom tempura, truffle and roasted garlic mayo can lay claim to being the sexiest bar food. Here, scoring the right table (sincere regrets, but to share the table number might mean our inability to ever score that table again) affords an uninterrupted view of the symphony that is the culinary team, moving in unison as hundreds of orders are handled.

We were five and made a beeline for the view. Leaving the decision about what to eat in the very capable hands of executive chef/patron Cristian Grini, we pored over the comprehensive menu and discreetly checked out our fellow diners in the every-table-taken restaurant. Straight from the oven breads arrived followed by fresh Parma prosciutto – a wise decision, we surmised, as we tucked in. Portobello mushroom tempura, with truffle and roasted garlic mayo followed by shrimp, calamari and zucchini, dusted and fried. Bellissima!

Our Jamaica Observer Food Awards wine buff Christopher Reckord checked the impressive wine list and settled on Albino Rocca Barbaresco while we made room for more mushrooms, this time the Portobello mushroom carpaccio and a risotto so smooth and creamy that silence fell over the table, save for sighs of intoxicating pleasure. Grini had certainly spooned in lots of comfort as he presented a dish still considered the epitome of Italian home cooking and comfort food. By the time the pizza arrived we were in foodie heaven.

Dessert, an absolute must, was comprised of panna cotta, tiramisu and coppa di fragile con panna – fresh strawberries and cream.

Verdict:

Add Buzo to your restaurant bucket list and tell Lorenzo at Beauchamp Place, Kensington, that he should, too!

Prices are in line with the quality and freshness of the tasty fare.

Excellent service, secure and ample parking.

Reservations are a must.

— NMW

Buzo

6A Warner Street, New Town

Tel: 868-223-2896/868-8678