We had thought of going to La Ventura in the Stroud Green Rd to sample their gastronomic menu, but we were with our son, who is always hungry and we didn't have all evening, Porchetta usually brings you large portions of good cheap food very quickly and that's what we wanted. Oh look, I can't just go to rubbish places and feed my menfolk ordure just so that I can entertain you lot with indignant tales of hilarious incompetence, naff cuisine and outrageous prices. I've got a life you know. Oh yes. La P employs beautiful young people, dressed in black and they run around smiling, fetching you stuff. One waiter bribed the brat at the table next door with free ice cream if he'd behave - and it worked. We all had risotto - my Nero con Sepia was delish with lots of large and chunky squiddy bits, L's di Mare and T's Primavera also had loads of the named ingredient. It's a swizz when you get a risotto with 3 prawns and 2 mussels, all placed on top, so you think great, only to find that it's all rice underneath. Innit? None of that here. It's value for money, child friendly, noisy and busy. On the way back we passed La Ventura, which was completely empty. Hmm. Recommended. DM 2001