In the spotlight
EDDY Ambrosi, 33, is the managing chef at Frizzante Caf� and Restaurant at Hackney City Farm, just off Hackney Road. He describes the caf� menu as modern European with an Italian touch . Home made pasta dishes and risotto are served alongside a tradition
EDDY Ambrosi, 33, is the managing chef at Frizzante Caf� and Restaurant at Hackney City Farm, just off Hackney Road.
He describes the caf� menu as "modern European with an Italian touch". Home made pasta dishes and risotto are served alongside a traditional British roast on Sundays. Many of the herbs, salads and vegetables come from the farm's own garden while the meat is mostly sourced from or a small farm in Kent or the traditional butcher shop HE Tidiman at Broadway Market. But Eddy recently cooked a pig from the city farm and is hoping to start using more meat from the farm itself.
Where are you from?
I'm from Verona in North Italy where I went to catering college for three years. After becoming a chef I did seasonal jobs at Lake Garda in the summer and a ski resort called Madonna de Campiglio in the winter.
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I came to London in 1997 because of my then girlfriend working here. I first worked in the caf� at the Institute of Contemporary Art and at the Grosvenor Hotel.
After splitting up with my girlfriend I was looking for an opportunity to stay.
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This caf� only used to be open at weekends, so I and my friend and business partner, Armando Varlotta, saw a business opportunity. The people at the farm agreed to us taking over the caf� in 2002 and it's now open every day except Monday.
I live in nearby Queensbridge Road.
What do you like about the East End?
I like the mixed culture and markets and independent shops, but I'm always working at the weekends so don't get to go out much. If I did I would go to Brick Lane or the area round where I live.
What don't you like about the East End?
Water companies always seem to be digging up and closing the roads even don't you don't actually see anyone working there. I get around by scooter or bicycle so that annoys me.
What do you do to relax?
I like growing my own herbs and vegs but I don't have a garden. I have some recycled bread baskets on my patio where I have tomato plants, rocket and other herbs.
Otherwise I like cycling through London fields or Vicky Park.
What are you doing this weekend?
I'm having a barbeque with my colleagues in the outdoor area of the caf� after work.
