Max & Veronica Live Monday 16 September

Max & Veronica Live Monday 16 September

Max & Veronica Live Monday 16 September

We are delighted to announce live music at Pizzeria Villaggio from Max & Veronica! This captivating duo has crafted an extraordinary repertoire encompassing the rich tapestry of American Roots music. Their range spans from the soulful realms of Country and Folk to the infectious beats of Ragtime and Swing, embracing the spiritual essence of Gospel and the emotive depths of Blues, and back again! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the music history of the Southern States of America during the 1920s and 1930s, as their renditions transport your senses.

Dine with us pre-entertainment and enjoy authentic, award-winning Welsh-Italian pizza and pasta from our excellent chefs.

Doors open at 5pm, last orders for food will be 7:30pm. We will be serving food upstairs for standard bookings, our normal service of 5-9pm will resume upstairs.

There will be a small cover charge of £10 a head (including a glass of our fabulous Trebbiano or Sangiovese) to cover the musicians fees.

When it comes to knowing about Americana these two are right up there! Country blues, ragtime, vaudeville and even a little old time C&W. Max is a very accomplished guitarist and a strong vocalist, whilst Veronica plays a mean washboard, ukulele and possesses a strong vocal styling. Very uplifting music! So if you get the chance to see this duo in concert, take it!”- Mike Vernon “

NEWS & EVENTS

Max & Veronica Live Monday 16 September

Max & Veronica Live Monday 16 September

We are delighted to announce live music at Pizzeria Villaggio from Max & Veronica! This captivating duo has crafted an extraordinary repertoire encompassing the rich tapestry of American Roots music. Their range spans from the soulful realms of Country and Folk to...

National Cheese and Wine Day 2024

National Cheese and Wine Day 2024

For the cheese and wine lovers, today we are celebrating National Cheese and Wine Day. Here are a selection of our owner, and co-founder Marc Palladino’s favourite cheese and wine from his time spent in Italy and working as a chef. Provolone Piccante, known for its...

TABLE RESERVATION

Reserve your table today, simply select a date & time below:

 

National Cheese and Wine Day 2024

National Cheese and Wine Day 2024

For the cheese and wine lovers, today we are celebrating National Cheese and Wine Day. Here are a selection of our owner, and co-founder Marc Palladino’s favourite cheese and wine from his time spent in Italy and working as a chef.

Provolone Piccante, known for its distinct sharp flavour, is a semihard cheese made from cow’s milk. It is aged at least 4 months, and some consider it to have a spicy flavour. Its origins lie in Southern Italy, and the cheese is produced mostly in the Po Valley region, particularly Lombardy and Veneto. The name is derived from the Neapolitan words prova or provola, which mean globe shaped. This cheese is a great addition to any cheese board and goes well with a glass of Chianti Classico.

Gorgonzola, one of the world’s oldest blue-veined cheeses. Unskimmed cow’s milk is used while preparing the cheese. Generally, it takes three to four months to attain full ripeness. This cheese has a crumbly and soft texture with a nutty aroma. It can have a mild to sharp taste depending on its age. Mainly produced in the northern Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, Gorgonzola. Consumed in many ways on pasta, pizza or on its own with a glass of Bordeaux or Zinfandel. We use Gorgonzola on our Palladino Pizza.

Talleggio, this mild-flavoured cow’s milk cheese has a soft and creamy texture, a strong aroma, and a fruity flavour. Historically linked to the Alpine valley of Val Taleggio, from which it takes its name, Taleggio cheese has been around since Roman times. Currently it’s produced in northern Italy’s neighbouring regions of Lombardia, Piemonte, and around the province of Treviso in the Veneto region. It can be eaten on its own, due to its delightful melting properties, we use Taleggio with a pizza or antipasto.

We can’t talk about cheese and not mention Buffalo Mozzarella. Full of flavour, the perfect cheese for a summer salad, or to serve with a simple drizzle of good quality olive oil. Made with buffalo whole milk, this pearly white sphere of cheese has a unique flavour and is made exclusively in the Delizie Alburnine region of Italy. Once you have tried a premium buffalo mozzarella, you most definitely won’t be able to look back, we use Buffalo Mozzarella on our Insalata Caprese.

We stock all of these cheeses in the restaurant, and they can be made up as a cheese board. Ask your waiter when you arrive with your party.

Is Pizza Healthier Than Cereal? We Asked a Nutritionist for the Facts

Is Pizza Healthier Than Cereal? We Asked a Nutritionist for the Facts

The comparison between pizza and cereal for breakfast is an interesting topic, especially in the context of nutrition and caloric content. Chelsey Amer, MS, RDN, CDN, highlights several key points in this discussion:

  1. Caloric Comparison: Amer notes that an average slice of pizza and a bowl of cereal with whole milk contain nearly the same amount of calories. This challenges the common perception that pizza is always a less healthy option due to its higher calorie content.
  2. Nutritional Content: Most cereals are high in carbohydrates but low in fiber and protein. This composition can lead to quicker feelings of hunger and less energy. In contrast, pizza, particularly due to its cheese content, offers a higher amount of protein. Protein is known for its ability to induce a sense of fullness and maintain satiety over a longer period.
  3. Sugar Content: Many popular cereals have high sugar levels, which can lead to a rapid increase and subsequent crash in blood sugar levels. Pizza typically contains more fat and less sugar than these cereals, potentially offering a more stable energy release.
  4. Balanced Meal: While Amer acknowledges that there are more nutritious breakfast options available, she suggests that pizza can be considered a more balanced meal compared to a bowl of sugary cereal, primarily due to its higher protein and lower sugar content.
  5. Improving Cereal’s Nutritional Value: For those who prefer cereal, Amer recommends choosing options that are fortified, contain 4 to 5 grams of fiber, and are made with whole grains. Adding protein, such as Greek yogurt, and fruits can enhance the nutritional value of the cereal, making it a more filling and nutritious choice.
  6. Shopping Tips for Healthier Cereals: Amer advises looking at the top two shelves in the cereal aisle for healthier options, as they tend to be placed there.

In summary, while pizza might not traditionally be considered a healthy breakfast option, it can, in some respects, be a more balanced choice compared to high-sugar, low-protein cereals. However, it’s important to note that moderation and a balanced diet overall are key factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Jean and Norman Quick Join Us For Lunch

Jean and Norman Quick Join Us For Lunch

Today we were joined by Whitchurch residents Jean and Norman Quick, you may have seen them on Wales Online recently as they renewed their wedding vows after 28 years of happy marriage together. Both secretly had the idea to plan the vow renewal separately as a surprise for one another, it was when Jean’s daughter Philippa discovered they both had the same plan that she made them aware. The event took place on Saturday, October 7 at St David’s Church, Miskin next door to the house where Norman used to live, with a small reception at Miskin Cricket Club.

Norman and Jean first met at the Kennard, a dance hall in Richmond road, Cardiff at the tender age of 17. They fell in love but at the time it wasn’t meant to be, and they lost touch. Then 48 years later they each attended an over 60s singles event when Norman unknowingly picked Jean to dance. When Jean told him her name, Norman’s feelings all came flooding back as he realised he was holding his first love who he’d thought about for decades. Aged 65 at the time, they soon started dating, fell head over heels for each other, and decided to marry.

Norman has kept an active life which started early when he joined Cardiff Amateurs Boxing Club aged 7, boxing for 10 years. He then moved onto rugby aged 17 where he played as scrum-half for Longcross RFC for another 12 years. He also has enjoyed a passion for Horse riding. A man of many talents, Norman worked as an actor in the 1990s starring in Pot noodle and Muller rice adverts amongst other advertising and filming projects.

Norman and Jean told us the secret of a happy marriage is to value companionship with one another, do as much as you can together, don’t take life too seriously, and always try to remember to keep each other laughing. Both share a love of ballroom with the odd Jive thrown in for good measure, Jean is a big Strictly Come Dancing fan however, Norman thinks it’s all a bit of a circus!

For their meals Norman chose lasagne and Jean opted for spaghetti bolognese with focaccia, both opted for gelato for dessert.

Thank you to our good friends Gareth and Val for arranging this special meal, we wish Jean and Norman many more years of happiness together.

Awarded Traveller’s Choice Award 2022 By Tripadvisor

Awarded Traveller’s Choice Award 2022 By Tripadvisor

Awarded Traveller’s Choice Award 2022 By Tripadvisor

Pizza and pasta perfection since 1986.
Get your favourite Pizzeria Villaggio dish delivered straight to your door or ready for collection. Order your takeaway online today.

We have been recognised by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travellers’ Choice award winner.  This award celebrates businesses that have received great reviews around the world on TripAdvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year has been, Pizzeria Villaggio Whitchurch stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences to diners.

Owner Marc Palladino said: “To win this accolade two years in a row is an incredible honour and we would like to thank our customers for sharing their experiences with the Tripadvisor community. Winning this award is made possible by the hard work from our team who are passionate about food and dedicated to providing excellent service and a warm atmosphere by connecting with our customers.”

“Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests. Ranking among the Travellers’ Choice winners is always tough — but never more so than this year as we emerge from the pandemic. Whether it’s using new technology, implementing safety measures, or hiring outstanding staff, I’m impressed by the steps you’ve taken to meet travellers’ new demands. You’ve adapted brilliantly in the face of adversity.”

NEWS & EVENTS

Max & Veronica Live Monday 16 September

Max & Veronica Live Monday 16 September

We are delighted to announce live music at Pizzeria Villaggio from Max & Veronica! This captivating duo has crafted an extraordinary repertoire encompassing the rich tapestry of American Roots music. Their range spans from the soulful realms of Country and Folk to...

National Cheese and Wine Day 2024

National Cheese and Wine Day 2024

For the cheese and wine lovers, today we are celebrating National Cheese and Wine Day. Here are a selection of our owner, and co-founder Marc Palladino’s favourite cheese and wine from his time spent in Italy and working as a chef. Provolone Piccante, known for its...

TABLE RESERVATION

Reserve your table today, simply select a date & time below: