| |
 Constantin Tofan and Antonia Macone – working hand-in-hand at La Cage Imaginaire |
Love at first bite – Imagine!
La Cage Imaginaire is a family affair – from the couple in the kitchen to the warm friendly atmosphere in the dining room, writes Peter Gruner
WHEN Antonia and Constantin made eyes at each other over the washing up at Hampstead’s popular and intimate La Cage Imaginaire restaurant, it was the start of both a romantic and business partnership.
That was eight years ago when Antonia was a bustling waitress and Constantin the busy chef at the Italian-French rustic-style restaurant in Flask Walk, frequented by the likes of actor John Hurt and comedian Russell Brand.
Today the couple are married and the proud owners of La Cage, after a momentous struggle to find the money and putting in a bid for it two years ago.
Diners may not be aware that behind the professionalism and the enthusiasm to serve great food lies years of long, unsocial hours and hard work.
The food is recognised as among the best around and the welcome is always warm.
John Hurt, who lives locally, enjoys the sea bass while Russell Brand is a vegetarian and a fan of stuffed aubergine.
Antonia is originally from Rome and Constantin is from Moldova. They have a three year old child, and live in Golders Green.
They employ four staff, and aim for a quiet family-style establishment where customers can hear themselves speak.
Antonia said: “Too many restaurants have floors which reflect noise and where customers end up shouting at each other.”
La Cage serves a good two course lunch for £10.35. Evening meals include traditional starters like casserole of snail with flageolet beans, mushrooms and carrots in white wine or white crab in a wild rocket salad for £5.95 – which are almost a meal in themselves.
Popular lunch courses include oven roasted rack of English lamb, traditional coq au vin, oven baked cod or swordfish with perfectly cooked vegetables at £12.95.
Dinner can include two courses at £17.95 or three at £19.95.
“I love cooking. It goes with being Italian,” said Antonia.
“When I was young my mother would work long hours in our coffee shop and I would cook for the family.
“Then I went to work in the shop and learnt the business.”
Antonia originally came to Britain to learn the language. She got a job at La Cage as a waitress under the previous owners and there met Constantin. Of course they held their wedding reception at the restaurant.
“We saved hard and always dreamed of owning a restaurant but never thought it would be La Cage,” Antonia added.
“Then the opportunity arose and we took it. We haven’t looked back. We have many good, loyal customers who have become friends.
“I would hope that people would come not just for the food – which I hope is fantastic – but also for the company and friendship.
“Hampstead does have this wonderful charm about it. The people who live here are very friendly. It is a good place to be.”
|
 |
|
|
|
|
