GOING for a meal with my better half can be a traumatic experience. Storecard Sally, as she is affectionately known, was brought up in a modest environment with four sisters and if she wanted a full meal, she had to eat fast.

So dining with a culinary Tasmanian Devil it was just as well the service at the splendid old-fashioned Italian restaurant Villa Dinoin Chepstow Road, Newport, was lightening quick.

We arrived half an hour early for our 9.15pm Saturday reservation but the friendly staff said they would seat us as soon as possible despite the place being packed out.

We had drinks in the comfortable bar and they even took our order while we waited and as we were seated, our starters and wine were waiting for us.

The ravenous Storecard Sally tore into her scrumptious looking prawn cocktail while I savoured my delicious chicken liver pate.

Sally said her starter was spot on, but I had to take her word for it as it was demolished before I could sneak a sample.

Within two minutes of course one being cleared, our main course came, much to Sally's delight, but I prefer a less frantic pace to be honest. No harm done though, as my Pollo al Stilton (chicken in a mushroom and stilton sauce) was sublime.

With the roast potato and vegetables coming separately, I filled my boots, and plate, as did Sally who had the Fillet Steak with wine and peppercorn sauce. Both were superb.

After a short break and a notch loosened on my belt, we had profiteroles and strawberry gateaux to finish.

Three course apiece plus a litre of wine and a round of drinks, all for £70.05. We will be back. Michael Gannon