Freshly foraged mushrooms at Spaghetti House for October

One thing is for certain about foraging for wild mushrooms around Lake Maggiore in Piemonte, where the Lavarini family come from. Still the owners of London’s Spaghetti House group of restaurants, they will tell you that it’s a very secretive affair. They also recall the excitement that fed through the village when the ‘mushroom season’ arrived, starting towards the end of September and carrying through to mid November. 

Foraging for wild mushrooms in the UK is just as secretive, and Spaghetti House are not about to reveal their hidden spots but can reveal what they have done with one of Autumn’s most sought after offerings. 

Their October menu of ‘Seasonal Specials’ delights with Polenta con Funghi Trifolati – fried polenta, wild mushrooms, white wine & cream at just £6.95. Hard to beat is a dish of Pappardelle al Ragu’ di Cervo e Porcini – wide ribbon pasta, Yorkshire venison & wild mushroom ragu’ at £14.50.

Or try the tasty and hearty Bistecca con Funghi Selvatici e Finocchio Marino – a cut of 28-day aged Scotch rib-eye, sautéed wild mushrooms, East Coast samphire, extra virgin olive oil & Parmesan shavings at 19.50. 

This glorious Autumnal food calls for a full bodied wine, and for October, Spaghetti House recommends to pair any of the dishes above with Barbera D’Alba Ansisa, produced in the heart of Piemonte by Terre da Vino, and available by the 175 ml glass for £5.75 (usually £7.25). 

With 12 restaurants from Knightsbridge to the West End, and from Westfield London to the edge of the City in Holborn, Spaghetti House continues to surprise and delight with its seasonal menus. 

spaghettihouse.co.uk