A very Eco Christmas

As the big day quickly approaches, everyone at Eco Clapham and Kingston is feeling the festive spirit. We’ve got the best of Michael Buble playing and are cooking up some of our favourite yuletide flavours in the kitchen. You might have also noticed the incredible festive designs that have been painted on our windows by artist Peluca.

But while we celebrate in the UK, it’s important that we recognise the traditions of the country that has made Eco the restaurant it is: Italy.

Buon Natale

While we usually celebrate the holiday on the 25th, Italian Christmases tend to span across several weeks, starting from early December.

For Italians, 6th December marks St Nicholas Day. The night before, children write wish lists addressed to St Nicholas, asking for gifts. They’ll either hang up a sock or place an empty plate on the table, ready to be filled with treats. And on the day itself, good children often receive fruits, nuts and sweets, while those on the naughty list are given black sweets that resemble coal.

Later in the month, Christmas Eve is used as an opportunity to fast, as outlined by an old Catholic tradition. Italians will choose to not eat until midnight mass, when the festive celebrations begin. On this night, Babbo Natale, or Father Christmas as we know him best, visits houses leaving presents for the children.

The fun doesn’t end in December, however. On 6th January, Italians mark the end of the festive season with the Day of Epiphany, an occasion where La Befana, an old lady in search of the Christ Child, leaves further gifts for children.

This day is celebrated with the traditional Italian Christmas cake, panettone, a sweet yeast cake. You’ll be pleased to know that you can try our very own version of the panettone at Eco, this December, in the form of Butter Panettone Pudding, an irresistible authentic dessert option, served with vanilla ice cream.

Italian Christmas at Eco

This December, we’re serving Christmas with an Italian twist.

Why not taste your favourite festive sauce in a classic Italian dish, such as in our Cranberry and Wild Mushroom Risotto? Or try our sensational Cream of Chestnut and Truffle Soup.

And that’s only some of the starters we have on offer! Indulge in a Stuffed Roast Turkey, which incorporates all the best trimmings, or go for something more classic Eco and tuck into our Artichoke, Asparagus and Truffle Pappardelle.

As mentioned before, we couldn’t create a Christmas menu without including the Italian classic, Panettone, which can be found in the dessert menu alongside other delicious sweet treats like Chocolate Truffle, Winter Berry and Ricotta Crumble, and of course, our Classic Tiramisu.

And with a cheese board to finish, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced Christmas in Italy without spending a penny on flights.

So, Buon Natale from all of us at Eco! We can’t wait to spread Christmas cheer with our wonderful customers this December.

Book now to experience the delights of Italian Christmas at Eco.

Clapham: 020 7978 1108