The second of JCI Rotherham's “Come Dine With Us” events was held recently where members aim to impress with their choice of restaurant rather than their cooking ability. Following from the successful first event hosted by our deputy Charlotte at Elif Turkish restaurant, this time it was up to our business director, Tom to find somewhere to dine. Here is his blog:

Fantastico! Bellisimo! Two of the few Italian words I know but suitably apt for our event at Miele Deli. I knew I'd have to find somewhere particularly good after the tasty Turkish delights chosen by Charlotte, and I also wanted to find somewhere that really shows off our town.

Andrew and Franca only opened their Italian deli in April when a certain Mary Portas popped in for a few olives. Based in what many locals remember as a former department store on the High Street, Miele sells a range of authentic food and quality coffee. Having tried some of the meats and cheeses on offer over the past few months I was thankful that they agreed to open late especially for us.

We arranged to have a number of platters, sharing a selection of meats (salami, chorizo, garlic sausage, pate) and cheeses (continental cheddars, brie, dolcelatte) plus various stuffed vegetables, olives, salad and breads. Andrew and Franca were really helpful when making our choices and as we waited for the food we were able to browse the shelves full of wonderfully named pasta, imported sauces and authentic olive oils (I think some of our members will be having pasta for the next few months judging by how many packets they bought).

The platters were expertly presented and with the hot weather, the food was just perfect. If we weren't opposite Primark on Rotherham High Street you might have thought we were on a sun terrace on the Amalfi Coast or in a piazza in Rome. The price however was definitely Yorkshire, coming in at £12.95 for two sharing a platter and just 50p for canolli.

Aah yes. Canolli. Sweet Italian pastries, deep fried or as “Lobster Tails” filled with chocolate, pistachio or vanilla. I can see why they are popular with The Sopranos.

It was another successful event, watch out for details of the next 'come dine with us' to be relasted very soon!