Posts Tagged ‘Italian’

The Bibo New Dishes Party

February 1st, 2012 admin

On Monday I attended a lunch at The Bibo to launch the many new dishes on their latest menu.

Starting with the appetizers al imported from Italy, were

  • Black and green olives from Salerno
  • Porcini mushrooms from Piemonte
  • Artichokes from Campania, and a selection of cheeses and cold cuts

The cheeses were: Fontina Dop from Val d’Aosta, taleggio and chilly Gorgonzola from Lombardia, fresh pecorino from Tuscany and stracchino.

The cold cuts: Mortadella, smoked pancetta, speck, prosciutto Di Parma, salame Felino and bresaola.

Next was the delicious lasagna served in two different ways: “alla bolognese” (with Ragu’ sauce, Dop buffalo mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano) and “al pesto” (made with their pesto, dop buffalo mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano). They continued with “Melanzane alla Parmigiana” (a kind of lasagna done with eggplants instead of pasta) and then their: “gnocchi al pesto”, “BiBo Matteo” (fresh handmade pasta with their imported porcini mushrooms) and “Rigatoni alla Norma”, typical Sicilian plate made with eggplants and ricotta salata. They also presented their new and delicious “gnocchi alla Sorrentina”, a typical dish from Sorrento done with gnocchi, Dop tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano (all finished in the wood oven, “gratin”).

To end the meal they then served the meat selection: “scaloppine”, served in two different ways (lemon and white wine) and their beautiful “tagliata”. Tagliata is the name that they use in Italy to define this particular slice of the meat. The tagliata is done by tomahawk steak and served with roasted potatoes from the wood oven.

The event was organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce to promote The BiBo as a complete restaurant where you can enjoy everything , from their pizza to the most authentic Italian dishes.

The Bibo is located at 1835 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-6177

Web: http://thebibo.com/

Twitter: @Thebibo

The new dishes are now available on their menu nightly starting at 5pm.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, Tastings Tags: , , , No Comments »

CENTO NOTTI

December 12th, 2011 admin

350 Davie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604 642 0557

Web: http://centonotti.com/

Twitter: @CentoNotti

Advice: Take a long a friend and share some dishes.

Burrata

This Italian themed restaurant is the latest pop-up at the Opus which is all done up in gold. Italian influenced pop-art is served up with comfort food that they call Twisted Italian. My friend Joe Leary joined me for dinner last week and we began our meal by sharing the house made Burrata ($13) hannahbrook greens, okanagan quince and house pickles.

Seared Qualicum bay Scallops

We were then each served a delicious amuse of Seared Qualicum bay scallops, lobster ravioli, house smoked bacon, carrot butter.

Platter with Three Cheese Garlic Bread ,Spaghetti Bolognese, Lobster Agnolotti, Steamed Asparagus, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

Then as we were about to share our entrees a massive platter arrived to our table that was filled with the Three Cheese Garlic Bread ($8) along with the delicious Spaghetti Bolognese ($16), Lobster Agnolotti ($27), roasted lobster bisque, pea shoots; Steamed Asparagus ($8) and Roasted Seasonal Vegetables ($8).

Platter with frozen Tiramisu and Lemon Tart

For dessert another platter arrived with the outstanding Frozen Tiramisu ($8) and the refreshing Lemon Tart($8). Loved the room from the golden walls to the gold sparkling ceiling, its an elegant atmosphere with attentive service!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Yaletown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

COSCA RESTAURANT

October 20th, 2011 admin

1118 Denman Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-683-8485

Web: http://www.coscarestaurant.com/

Twitter: @coscarestaurant

Advice: Sharing platters are a great way to taste more dishes.

Funghi Selvatico

Calamari Livornese

Malanzane Arrosto

Focaccia

It’s no secret that I love Italian, my friend Avelino had been raving about the pasta dishes at Cosca for quite some time. I had been invited in for a media dinner recently and I knew this was one that I could not pass up. It was a wonderful evening of meeting other passionate foodies, we shared several appetizers that included the Funghi Selvatico ($11) Wild mushroom medley, pecorino – romano; Calamari Livornese ($10) Tender sautéed calamari, tomatoes, garlic, capers, olives; and the delicious Malanzane Arrosto ($11) Roasted eggplant, basil marinara, smoked mozzarella. Complimentary house baked Focaccia was served along with balsamic and olive oil for dipping.

Pappardelle Boscaiola & Linguini Pesto e Gamberi

For the main, I chose Avelino’s favourite pastas as I knew I couldn’t go wrong and since he had been raving about two of their pastas, I had them prepare a Pasta Platter ($16) featuring 2 different pastas – the tasty Linguini Pesto e Gamberi Shrimp, sundried tomato, pesto-cream sauce and the outstanding Pappardelle Boscaiola Fresh egg pasta, wild mushroom ragu, smoked mozzarella, truffle oil .

Chocolate Torte, Tiramisu & Apple Cake

We then had a Dessert sharing platter featuring all 3 of their desserts including the Chocolate Torte, Apple Cake and the deliciously light Tiramisu. I love Italian restaurants not only for the savoury hearty dishes but for a beautiful sweet finish, Cosca won me over with their pastas but failed to win me over in their desserts.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Westend Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments »

TRILUSSA

July 20th, 2011 admin

4363 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-338-6914

Web: www.trilussa.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: If you want to get a mix of two pizzas, I suggest you order a Large and ask them if they can give you half and half. Closed Mondays.

I stumbled upon this Italian eatery the other day to my joyous discovery of seeing Chef Alessandro Fonseca behind the counter making his delicious Roman style pizzas. I know Alessandro from another eatery where he had developed this Roman style of pizza and pasta, he now opened his own place. Here the pizzas are available in regular and large servings as well as by the ½ or full size and there are always many different pizzas ready to eat-in or take-out. The Pizzas and the Pane Romano (Italian bread with toppings which is very similar to pizza) served on their wooden slab serving board (clever, asides from a great presentation it is also an easy way of serving).

Abruzzo

I was in for lunch and had the Abruzzo ($5.50 Regular) pizza topped with Soppressata Salami and Mozzarella along with a soda. You will also find sandwiches on rustic Italian bread, (several selections to choose) along with some soups. There is also an espresso bar to have a coffee to begin or end your meal. Already looking forward to my next visit for a slice of the Roman Flat Bread topped with Nutella!

Review by: Richard Wolak

 

Posted in Main Street Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Frankie’s Italian Kitchen Opening

June 30th, 2011 admin

Raeffele Aiello -owner

Last night I attended the opening party for Frankie’s Italian Kitchen on Beatty Street downtown Vancouver.

As Guests arrived they were served a glass of Prosecco and served canapés of salmon tartare, ahi tuna puffs and more. A pasta station where guests could enjoy a vegetarian offering as well as meat sauce with the homemade pasta. The table was filled with antipasto, breadsticks, delicious focaccia bread, and several pizzas. Afterwards a variety of desserts were served including many Italian dessert specialties!

Chef Luigi Ornaghi

Chef Luigi Ornaghi heads up the kitchen at Frankie’s. Ornaghi has over 30 years experience as both chef and owner from kitchens throughout Northern Italy, the French Riviera and most recently the United States. The affable chef is a new arrival in Canada, he speaks four languages and has studied and taught at culinary schools throughout Piedmont, Italy.  He is also the recipient of accolades from the Chaine des Rotisseurs in Italy and Australia as well as other global gastronomic associations.

Making Pasta Creations

Pesto Pizza topped with Mussels

Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar brings some of southern Italy’s famous flavours and family recipes, as well as not-so-traditional Italian dishes, to the table. Fresh ingredients, proven recipes, fair pricing and exceptional authentic service are the pillars of Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar.

Private Dining Room

Desserts

More Desserts

Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar is located at 765 Beatty Street next to the Georgian Court Hotel open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, reserve online www.frankiesitaliankitchen.ca or call 604.688.6368.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Openings Tags: , , , , No Comments »

PRONTO

May 25th, 2011 admin

3473 Cambie St, Vancouver

Tel: 604-722-9331

Web: www.prontocaffe.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Don’t be afraid to ask for a taster of the Porchetta before ordering.

Specializing in Porchetta this Italian style eatery’s space was designed with a retro feel by Scott Cohen (Les Faux Bourgeois, Waldorf Hotel) and Stefan Gagnon (Les Faux Bourgeois). You’ll find a limited menu of Porchetta sandwich and Porchetta plate along with a couple vegetarian sandwiches, cheese plate and a selection of sides such as roasted rosemary potatoes and non-alchoholic beverages.

Porchetta Sandwich

I had the Porchetta Sandwich ($8) on baguette (also offers it on ciabata) which was very simple along with an Espresso ($2). If you are a lover of Porchetta visit and you be the judge if you are not then go with the Provolone Sandwich!

Review By: Richard Wolak

 

Posted in Cambie Street Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

CAFÉ IL NIDO

May 24th, 2011 admin

780 Thurlow Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-685-6436

Web: http://www.cafeilnido.net/

Twitter: @cafeilnido

Advice: Pastas are available as half size just ask your server.

Carpaccio

Caprese

Asparaci

Capesante

Hidden off of Robson, tucked into the courtyard this long time restaurant has been serving customers for over 23 years, I had my first sit down meal recently with a friend to taste some of their notable dishes. To begin we shared the Carpaccio ($18) thin sliced beef tenderloin, capers, lemon, arugula, padano cheese, dijon peppercorn dressing followed by the Caprese ($14) Creamy mozzarella, sundried tomatoes pesto, virgin olive oil, fresh basil. Next was the wonderful Asparaci ($9) grilled asparagus w/ roasted cherry tomatoes, lemon dressing and chilli oil and the last of the starter dishes, the outstanding Capesante ($15) Scallops on a bed of sweet potato mash and cilantro pesto.

Gnocchi

Agnelotti

Bolognese

Tubetti

For our mains we decided to order half servings of each of 4 pasta dishes and started with the delicious Gnocchi ($8 for half, $16 for full) sweet potato gnocchi, broccolini, bocconcini in cherry tomato sauce; and the Agnelotti ($11 for half, $22 for full) Lobster stuffed ravioli in white wine scallion cherry tomato butter and baby shrimp; and the delicious Bolognese ($9 for half, $18 for full) Tagliatelle egg noodles tossed in a veal and beef bolognese sauce; and finally the outstanding Tubetti ($8 for half, $16 for full) penne w/ grilled artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and light broccoli pesto.

Vanilla Gelato

Blood Orange Sorbet

For dessert I had a simple house-made bowl of Vanilla Gelato ($8) and my friend had a bowl of the Blood Orange Sorbet ($8). The décor was warm and inviting and the service was impeccable.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Robson Street Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments »

Italian Day June 5th on the Drive

May 10th, 2011 admin

Experience the Flavors of Italy “La Dolce Vita” with culture, food and live entertainment

Sunday, June 5th, 2011 12:00PM – 8:00PM

Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC

Public event open to all ages and cultures

The Italian Day Committee and the Commercial Drive Business Society in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Centre, present Italian Day “La Dolce Vita” on June 5th, 2011. This event will be held on “The Drive”, Vancouver’s own “Little Italy” more details here.

Be a part of one of Vancouver’s most well known cultural events. Family and friends will be welcomed by musical entertainment, performances, art, fashion and much more. Local vendors and restaurants will also be on site featuring the most tasteful and delightful Italian dishes.

Posted in Great Ideas, Latest Tags: , , , No Comments »
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