About Nico and his restaurant
What's an Italian doing in Warrington and why should you care? This is the story of how his origins in Italy led Nico to develope his passion for good food. This enthusiasm eventually led him to set up a restaurant in an unpopular part of a northern town which, against the odds, successfully established a reputation for quality and authenticity. Finally we hear of Nico's hopes for higher standards of excellence in the future.
Italy
Italy is famous for its fast cars, art and design, history, beautiful women and most importantly the love of food and wine. Through centuries we have passed down through generations the tradition of the family eating together, and the mama cooking the fresh pasta.
Our family ties are getting stronger even in a world where life is getting faster and more hectic. Italians always find time for lunch and dinner as we believe it important that we can enjoy our food. This way of life will never change for Italians.
Me, Nico
I was born and grew up in a town called Maratea, located on the coast of the Basilicata region of Southern Italy, near the Tyrrenian sea. This is where my mum and dad ran a hotel and restaurant. While still in my mums home I was smelling the food and I was practicaly born in a kitchen. So, I was influenced from an early age!!
I grew up with a passion for food. My father sent me to a hoteliery school where I graduated with my diploma. I travelled around Italy and Europe, experiencing different cultures.
Travelling, I found places where there was a massive difference between Italian restaurants of my homeland and those abroad. Many European countries produce relatively good Italian food. In England this was not the case, and I found that Italian food wasn't well represented. I was shocked to discover that most English people knew Italian food as only Spaghetti Bolognese and Pizza.
After working in Covent Garden, London, for a few years I decided to come to the North of England and open a restaurant. I moved up North where I felt there was a lack of authenic Italian restaurants and the set-up costs were lower.
Against the Odds
When I resigned from the London restaurant and told the boss of my plans for the new restaurant, he called me a crazy Italian! He said, "The people up there (in Warrington) don't know about good food, they eat only pie and chips".
I setup my restaurant in Warrington in 1992, in the middle of a recession. The location had its problems: it was not in an affluent area but I was convinced that the dishes would win over many dubious customers.
To be successful I needed to be surrounded by an Italian team and meet the needs of the customers. I wanted my customers to feel as if they were in Italy, to be greeted by Italian waiters, eat dishes prepared by an Italian chef, and run by me - an Italian proprietor.
Quality and Authenticity
I always believed that only Italians can create the authentic atmosphere and this is why most poeple love Italian restaurants; because of the courteous attitude of the waiter and the smiling, considerate chef. Unfortunately for the Italian brand, more and more restaurants are falling into the wrong hands (where proprietors are not Italians, cutting quality and professionalism to gain higher profit margins). They are creating a massive quality gap, and are giving the authenic Italian restaurants a bad image. That is why the Italian Politiche Agricole (Minister for Agriculture) Mr Alemmano came up with the brilliant idea for tackling these cowboys.
The authenticity of many Italian restaurants is low in England, especially in the North. I believe that customers need to be helped to find the authentic Italian restaurants and that is where the DOC can have a big impact in the future. Improving authenticity and ultimately regaining our pride in Italian cuisine.
The Future
In a world where consumers are becoming increasingly aware of what they eat, the demand for quality restaurants are rising. Standards and expectations are growing, and there is an increased demand for more tasteful dishes, not cooked by amateurs, or served up by snotty students.
It is time that consumers raised their standard. In our restaurant we set the precedent over fifteen years ago. Our pride, passion and professionalism are up-most prioriety. Our goal is to encourage more Italian restaurants to raise their standards above the imposters and give the British diners what they are looking for.
Hopefully, our proud Italian brand can regain its identity.
To enjoy the authentic Italian dining experience at Da Nico please call us on either 0800 027 1123 or 01925 240258, or email us on info@da-nico.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I expect?
- A warm welcome. Original and authentic Italian gastronomy. Freshly prepared quality food, cooked with Italian passion and flair.
- Are children welcome?
- Yes of course, because we Italians love our children, you don't need to ask if they are welcome! All the family is always welcome at Da Nico.
- Has the restaurant changed names?
- Yes, Da Nico was originally called "Lo Scalino" when Nico first opened in Warrington in 1992 and later was changed to "Nico's Place". Nico continues to create his wonderful dishes under the current name, Da Nico, which better reflects the Italian character and authenticity of his restaurant.
- What are the opening times?
- We are open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm till 11pm.
Closed Sunday and Monday. - Are reservations required?
- We recommend that on weekends you book in advance as the restaurant is often full. Although large parties are welcome, groups of more than eight people are asked to book in advance.
To book, please call us on either 0800 027 1123 or 01925 240258.
