Italian cuisine has always been a favourite of many food lovers globally. With its rich flavours, appetising aroma and delightful taste, it is hard to resist the temptation of indulging in a plate of pasta or pizza. One restaurant that has been delivering authentic Italian food to its customers for years is ASK Italian. But, how far are its claims of using fresh ingredients, authentic recipes and serving healthy food true? In this article, we decode ASK Italian claims and separate fact from fiction.
Fresh ingredients
One of the primary claims of ASK Italian is that they use only fresh ingredients in their recipes. Their website boasts of “Our fresh ingredients are at the heart of every dish, and we pride ourselves on the quality of the produce we use.” But, is it really true? In most cases, the answer is yes. The restaurant chain does make use of fresh vegetables, seafood and meats in making their dishes. They also have a policy of sourcing locally where possible, ensuring that the ingredients are not only fresh but also have a minimal carbon footprint.
Authentic recipes
Another claim that ASK Italian makes is that they use authentic Italian recipes in their dishes. While the restaurant chain has its roots in Italy, it has had to make a few tweaks to its recipes to cater to British tastes. ASK Italian’s menu is a fusion of classic Italian dishes with a few modern twists. For instance, they serve traditional Lasagne al Forno, but also have a vegan version of the dish made with aubergines. They also have gluten-free pasta and pizzas, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
Healthy food
ASK Italian claims to serve healthy food, and this is an area where there is some debate. While the restaurant chain does have a few healthy options on its menu, such as salads and grilled fish, its main dishes are often high in calories, salt and fat. For instance, their popular dish ‘Penne alla Rusticana’ has a whopping 1104 kcal per portion and 4.6g of salt, which is more than the recommended daily intake. On the other hand, their popular dish ‘Prawn and Asparagus Risotto’ has only 579 kcal and 1.7g of salt, making it a healthier option.
Environmental initiatives
In recent times, environmental sustainability has become an important issue for many customers. ASK Italian claims to be environmentally responsible and has taken several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. They have replaced single-use plastic straws with paper ones, and have started using more eco-friendly containers for takeaway food. They also have a policy of sourcing locally where possible, thereby reducing emissions from transportation. However, there is some room for improvement. For instance, the restaurant chain still makes use of plastic cutlery for its takeaway orders and does not have a comprehensive recycling policy.
Customer service
ASK Italian claims to offer excellent customer service. This is evident from the numerous positive reviews the restaurant chain has received on various platforms. Customers have praised the staff for their friendly and attentive nature, and the quick service. However, there have been a few negative reviews as well, with customers complaining about long waiting times and unavailability of certain dishes.
In conclusion, ASK Italian claims of using fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, serving healthy food, being environmentally responsible and offering excellent customer service are mostly true. However, there are a few areas where the restaurant chain can improve, especially in terms of reducing its carbon footprint and improving the healthiness of some of its dishes. Overall, ASK Italian is a great option for those craving Italian food with a modern twist.