The Italian Job was the icing on the cake at Marco's Italian

It was Friday night, but not just any Friday night, it was the inaugural Funky Friday at Marco’s Italian, Kegworth. Unsure what to expect and a touch nervous of the word funky I invited my 19 year old daughter to join me. We drove to the restaurant, which is located in the Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth. Kegworth is a pretty village just a few minutes’ drive from East Midlands Airport, yet seemingly situated a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of a busy gateway. As we approached the hotel we noticed how beautifully lit it was so immediately gave it full marks for kerb appeal and as we parked up our eyes were instantly drawn to its stunning indoor swimming pool, so much so we wished we were staying over. Once inside we headed through the busy hotel reception towards the restaurant where we were immediately acknowledged and taken to our table. The restaurant was beautifully decorated and for me the perfect blend of New York diner come formal restaurant.  It wasn’t busy but there were enough diners to create just the right atmosphere. Our waiter for the evening was Gilles (hope I’ve spelt that correctly), who was most welcoming, cheerful, and not short of a joke or two. He took our drink order and talked over the menu which consisted of a comprehensive selection of mains, steaks, salads and of course pastas – this was going to take some time. For my starter I opted for the Grilled Jumbo Shrimps brushed with rosemary and garlic, whilst Saffron chose the Caeser Salad with anchovies and avocado.  She’s an avocado fiend so it was an obvious choice for her but she couldn’t do the anchovies – I think you you either love ‘em or hate ‘em! Both dishes were delicious and the perfect size to whet our appetites ready for our mains. I feel somewhat of a cheat for not ordering a pasta dish, especially given the Macaroni de Funghi was jumping out at me, but the Seared Seabream with caponata aubergine, capers tomatoes and fresh basil was just too much to resist. It was new to the menu too so that swayed my decision.  Saffron eventually chose the 8oz Salmon Steak Allan Napoletana with cherry tomatoes, green olives, spinach, capers and fesh basil. Gilles recommended we ordered a side dish to accompany our dishes so between us we ordered the new potatoes and sweet potato fries. The fish were cooked perfectly and Gilles was right to suggest a side to complete the dish. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth yet my indecisiveness somewhat contradicted this when Gilles highlighted The Italian Job – a trio of the Chicago chocolate brownie, New York baked blueberry cheesecake and tiramisu.  I’ve never had much will power so I gave in and although I’d overindulged I was not disappointed. Saffron was sensible in her selection of one portion of cheesecake. The DJ arrived about half way through service when the soulful background tunes I’d been singing along to were replaced with classic disco beats of the 70’s and 80’s. It really created a buzz about the restaurant, which all the diners (and those just there for drinks) all seemed to enjoy – of all ages! What a way to start our weekend. Delicious food at a fabulous venue with a few beverages and some funky tunes. Marco’s Italian – we’ll be back! I’d recommend Marco’s Italian any night of the week but especially for Funky Fridays.  For a real treat though make a stay of it and enjoy the stunning pool and spa facilities of the hotel!