Graze, in Stanford’s main road, is a fabulous little eatery, overflowing with character in a way that makes you want to eat the entire menu. I was there for lunch after a little mountain bike ride, hence my interest in eating was even greater.

As you can see from the picture above, the menu is written on one of the walls. The theme is Italian, with antipasto-type dishes piquing lunch appetites. They aren’t licensed, so we were invited to pick something up from the bottle store across the road (I thoroughly enjoyed the bottle of 2010 Raka Sauvignon Blanc I selected from the limited cold stocks).

The place was quite busy, so a lengthy conversation with the owner, Jero, was not possible. He was wearing a chef’s jacket, but due to a staff shortage he was working front of house. In the kitchen was his wife (or significant other), who goes by the name of Catch (fancy that), according to the embroidery on her chef’s jacket. Unfortunately, we didn’t get around to establishing the story behind the name.

Bresaola with rocket, parmesan shavings and olive oil

My appetite was given even more of a rev by Jero’s descriptions of the dishes; he’s certainly passionate about food!

The meal was most enjoyable. I ordered two starters: a chickpea salad that was topped with gorgeously creamy locally made grilled haloumi, and bresaola with homegrown rocket, all served with fresh focaccia. This was less food than I needed, so it’s a good thing my friend ordered more ambitiously. The Graze antipasti board is a great way of eating; we enjoyed mixing and matching our way through it.

The Graze Board (for two)

Graze is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, which means you have limited opportunities to dine there. Be sure to make a booking the minute you arrive in Stanford.