My Favourite Restaurant: Caldesi in Campagna

My name is Julia White and as the royal borough’s visitor manager I have the privilege of working with a small, but beautifully formed, team of people, all passionate about the destination we promote.  Over the last 30+ years I’ve lived in different parts of the borough: Bray, Eton Wick, Maidenhead, Windsor, Sunningdale and back to Windsor again.  It never ceases to amaze me just how lucky I am to live in a place that offers so many iconic attractions, events and outstanding natural beauty.

One of my favourite things is eating out in the local area and let’s face it who wouldn’t love it with so much choice on offer?  There’s a great range of high street names of course (and a cheeky Wagamama’s is a welcome treat on Saturday when I’m out shopping) but it’s the independent restaurants and the people who run them that are so special.

But during this horrible coronavirus pandemic eateries have been forced to close their doors and as well as being worried for their futures, I’m really missing meeting up with friends and family for a Friday night supper or Sunday lunch.

Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi opened Caldesi in Campagna in 2007 in the culinary haven of Bray and it soon became one of my firm favourites.  Yes of course the Tuscan cuisine is delicious, the Italian wines surprisingly good but it’s more than that.  Giancarlo is a larger-than-life character who greets you as if you’re an old friend just arriving to stay with him and the family for the weekend.

Here’s just one example.  In my family we have three birthdays in May and another three in early June so we have one big Sunday lunch out to celebrate.  Caldesi in Campagna is always top of our list.  On one occasion not only did Giancarlo cook for us at our table but at the end of service he pulled up a chair and joined us! 

During lockdown the restaurant has moved its service online so the locals don’t have to go without their favourite dishes from the Caldesi menu.  They’re delivering within the village or customers can drive round to collect.  Weekly specials have included Lobster Spaghetti and a Throwback Thursday 1970's Prawn Cocktail followed by "Spag Bol".  Traditional Sunday roasts with a Tuscan twist have been followed by wonderfully indulgent puddings. 

With all this yummy food I can see my waistline growing if the lockdown continues too much longer!

Loads of our local restaurants are now offering take away and delivery menus.  The team has put together a list to help you find your favourite.  Salute!

Top three things I’m looking forward to doing post-lockdown

1. Getting the family back together for a slap-up meal to celebrate our birthdays.
2. Getting back in the gym at Windsor Leisure Centre to tackle my over-eating!
3. Meeting up with friends in the bar at GOGOs to raise a glass and look forward to happier times.