Posts Tagged ‘Italian’

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 »

THE BIBO

April 17th, 2011 admin

1835 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-6177

Web: http://thebibo.com/

Twitter: @Thebibo

Advice: You can get half the pizza with one variety and another with a different variety, just ask your server. Slicing the pizza is not recommended, best to use your hands and tear the pizza as this is Napoletana style.

An authentic pizzeria offering up the best ingredients imported from Italy, a casual restaurant where you will find a screen in the back often playing old Italian movies that is also projected on the tv above the bar.

Pasta sampler of Gnocchi, Mateo & Rigatoni

Bibo Tagliolini

My friend Carlos joined me for dinner, it was my second visit and I was excited to indulge in some of their pasta and pizza selections; to begin we had a sampler of a few of their pasta creations, each of us had our favourites though both of us were agreeable that the Gnocchi was the favourite of all. The Pasta sampler of Gnocchi, Mateo & Rigatoni Norma ($16) fresh homemade Gnocchi pasta served with pesto sauce; Bibo Mateo a wide pasta paired with Italian Porcini mushroom sauce; Rigatoni ala Norma an ancient Sicilian recipe, tomato, basil and maccheroni pasta served with grilled eggplant and seasoned salt ricotta cheese. We also shared a smaller portion of the Bibo Tagliolini ($15 reg size) crafted with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, produced in the “Campania” region of Italy.

Funghi Porcini & Boscaiola - Pizza

Diavola & Prosciutto - Pizza

Next up we each had our own pizza, there pizzas are masterpieces of art, each is hand crafted, crispy and bubbly on the outside and tender on the inside. We requested to have ours halved with different varieties, I had the Pizza ($18) half Funghi Porcini – Tomato, mozzarella, porcini mushrooms and Boscaiola Tomato, mozzarella, sausage, mushrooms and Carlos had Pizza ($16) half Diavola – Tomato, mozzarella, spicy salami and half Prosciutto – Tomato, mozzarella, cooked ham. One thing to note is that they use two different types of cheese on their pizzas which reflect in the prices, for the higher priced pizzas they use the DOP Burrata cheese which is the finest type of Burrata cheese from Italy making for an unbelievable tasting pizza.

You’ll find a good selection of Italian wines as well as other beverages. This Italian dining experience wouldn’t have been complete if we didn’t indulge in one of there heavenly desserts, since we couldn’t decide on just one we shared three of them, each delicious and very different.

Bounet

Tiramisu

Chocolate Pizza

The first was the exquisite Bounet ($8) a traditional Piemontese pudding made with amaretti and cocoa. Then the creamy Tiramisu ($8) which was the most heavenly Italian dessert, made of Italian savoiardi biscuits dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of egg yolks, italian mascarpone and flavored with liquor and cocoa and the final dessert we shared was the outstanding Chocolate Pizza ($14) a pizza dough baked and smothered with a rich melted chocolate cream.

Looking forward to my next visit for the Margherita Formula One pizza a taste sensation unlike any other pizza you have had around the city!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Kitsilano Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

The Bibo Italian Restaurant Opening

March 17th, 2011 admin

Lorenzo Bottazzi (r), Salvatore (m) and Andrea Bini (r)

On Tuesday night March 15th, I attended the opening party for The Bibo Italian Restaurant in Kitsilano.

Salvatore - the pizza maker

Once inside a wide selection of Antipasti was being served to the invited guests and media, red and white Italian wines poured Montepulciano Dabruzzo Cantina Tollo, Italy, vintage 2006 and Soave Classico San Michele Ca Rugate, Italy, vintage 2008 were served.

Focaccia

Focaccia, Salads, Antipasti

The owners are Lorenzo Bottazzi and Andrea Bini and both are passionate about serving the best Italian Wine and Food to their guests. Lorenzo spoke and welcomed everyone telling the story of why they opened Bibo here in Vancouver. I spoke with Lorenzo who told me they bought the restaurant specifically for the Fire Wood Pizza Oven so that they could make their Napoletana Pizzas.

Gnocchi in Pesto sauce

Margherita Formula One

Crudo

Afterwards, more of their delicious food was served and I ate my way thru the wonderful pastas and pizza. I loved all the three pastas that I tried, including the BiBo Matteo – Spracci, wide pasta paired with flavorful Italian Porcini mushroom sauce;  Gnocchi pasta served with Pesto sauce and Rigatoni Alla Norma a Sicilian recipe, tomato, basil and maccheroni pasta served with grilled eggplant and seasoned salt ricotta cheese (very rare and unique). I tried a selection of their pizzas and absolutely loved the Margherita Formula One – San marzano tomato DOP, buffalo mozzarella from campania DOP, basil which is their house specialty, I also enjoyed the Capricciosa -Tomato, mozzarella, cooked ham, mushrooms, artichokes, black olives, capers; Quattro Formaggi- Mozzarella, provola, gorgonzola, parmesan; and Funghi Porcini – Tomato, mozzarella, porcini mushrooms.

Tiramisu

Bounet

Just when the guests including yours truly were feeling quite full, a spectacular selection of Italian desserts arrived to the table. I love desserts and I was in heaven with their creamy Tiramisu – made of Italian savoiardi biscuits dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of egg yolks, italian mascarpone and flavored with liquor and cocoa; the delicious Bounet is a traditional Piemontese pudding made with amaretti and cocoa and their Chocolate Pizza – a pizza dough baked and smothered with a rich melted chocolate cream. I also tried the Panna Cotta “cooked cream” was served as a chilled dish. I had some of the Crème Caramel – a custard dessert with a layer of soft caramel on top. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a stylish bar, large kitchen, a showcase area for live entertainment and an open pizza kitchen and oven. Lorenzo told me that they brought Salvatore their Pizza maker in from Naples, he is one of best pizza makers in the world he sees pizza making as a work of art and the pizza is his masterpiece.

The Bibo Italian Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:30am, located at 1835 West 4th Avenue in Vancouver and online at www.thebibo.com, phone 604-568-6177.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Openings Tags: , , 2 Comments »

LA GHIANDA

January 28th, 2011 admin

2083 Alma St, Vancouver

Tel: 604-566-9559

Web: http://www.laghianda.ca/

Twitter: @La_Ghianda

Advice: Each day from 5-6pm they offer one dinner to eat-in or take-out, it sells out daily, line up early or call them for the feature of the day. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m

With its rustic décor, it’s as if I was having lunch in the alpine area of Trentino in Italy near the Austrian border. I have always loved La Quercia which is owned by the same people as this nearby restaurant kitty corner to La Ghianda that also specializes in Italian food from the Trentino region. I have already been in a few times and on each visit I was more intrigued than the last. Each day there are 3 pastas, 3 sandwiches and 3 entrees on the blackboard all are priced the same at $10, then there are sides for $6 and desserts for $4.

Vitelli Tonnato

Penne Ariabiata

Cauliflower side dish

I have had several dishes over the visits including the Vitelli Tonnato ($10) panini delicious crusty bread, ham, tuna sauce;  Penne Ariabiata ($10) penne in tomato sauce ; Spaghetti Alla Botarga ($10) with fish row; Milanese & Crauti ($10) veal sandwich; Quiche ($6) and a delicious Cauliflower side dish ($6) with raisins, capers, lemon. I have yet to have the desserts that I am saving for my next visit. This is Italian cuisine at its finest, the bread is rustic, crunchy and so delicious, the food is simple and you will be wanting to visit over and over again.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Point Grey Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Q4 AL CENTRO

January 24th, 2011 admin

780 Richards Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604.687.4444

Web: http://q4restaurant.com/

Twitter: @q4restaurant

Advice: The Focaccia is not on the menu, you must order it as it is the best in the city. Complimentary valet parking at both lunch and dinner.

It’s no secret that I love Italian cuisine, it’s been my favourite for years, this is the latest gem from Patrick Corsi, his family has been cooking Italian cuisine in and around the city for many years. My friend Ian joined me for dinner in this hideaway in the centre of the city, located in the L’Hermitage Hotel this is no hotel restaurant, the room is beautiful with wood paneling throughout, high ceilings, an open kitchen, with a stylish forno oven.

They have an extensive wine list, I had a glass of the Antinori – Pinot Grigio 2007 ($10) Tuscany, Italy and Ian had a glass of the Jean Bousquet – “Organic” Malbec 2007 ($8) Mendoza, Argentina.

Focaccia Fatta in Casa

"Rucola" Arugula Balsamica

Polpette al Centro

We started off with the outsanding Focaccia Fatta in Casa ($6), I could have eaten the focaccia alone all night, we then shared the “Rucola” Arugula Balsamica ($12) Wild arugula, honey glazed walnuts, goat cheese, port soaked cranberries, aged balsamic vinaigrette. I then had an order of the delicious Polpette al Centro ($12) House made meatballs, smoked caciocavallo, marsala basil pomodoro ragout, tuscan crostini.

Pastore

Branzino alla Crosta

We then shared a pizza, the crust is crispy and delicious, I had this one before and had it again, Pastore ($15) Smoked caciocavallo, grilled lamb sausage, marinated portabello, we were both sharing most of the dishes as it gave us an opportunity to taste more, next was the outstanding Branzino alla Crosta ($34) Pistachio crusted BC sablefish, roasted red pepper succotash.

Chocolate Tart

Berry Pavlova

Dessert was a must and I had the delicious, Chocolate Tart ($8) filled with oozing caramel and my friend had the Berry Pavlova ($8). The service was wonderful too, looking forward to my return visit and for some more of that delicious Focaccia!

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

Contest: Win a copy of Mangia with Quattro Cookbook

January 13th, 2011 admin

Italian food, from the Corsi family to yours.

For the Corsis, owners of Vancouver’s popular Quattro restaurants, the most important things in life are sharing simple meals with friends, cooking with fresh ingredients, drinking joyously, and living with abbondanza (Italian for abundance and a passion for life). In their first cookbook, Mangia with Quattro,. A collection they’ve amassed over the years in addition to their own personal anecdotes and experiences, Mangia with Quattro includes some of the Corsis’ favorite recipes from their restaurants, as well as the simple and satisfying dishes they enjoy at home with their families.

Mangia with Quattro is organized like an à la carte restaurant menu and includes a section on Italian pantry basics, which includes recipes for Brodo di Vitello (veal stock), Ragu (meat sauce), and Pasta Fatta in Casa (homemade pasta dough). Yielding six to eight ample servings, these recipes are meant to be enjoyed family style with the people you care about. So turn up the music, round up your friends and family, and prepare beautiful meals together.

Bring the abbondanza of Quattro into your own kitchen with recipes like:

•    Cannellini Beans Silvana (Fagioli alla Silvana )

•    Radicchio Salad with Goat Cheese (Radicchio e Caprino)

•    Zucchini and Fennel Soup (Zuppa di Finocchio)

•    Scallops with Prawn Vanilla Bean Bisque (Ventaglio Vanigliato)

•    Glutton’s Fettuccine (Fettuccine Ghiottone)

•    Lamb Sausage and Asiago Cheese Risotto Balls (Suppli alla Salsiccia)

•    Roast Pork Tenderloin with Grappa and Sun-Dried Cherries (Filetto di Maiale alla Grappa)

•    Tripe with Pancetta (Trippa alla Maenzana)

•    Red Wine Sorbet with Honey Tuiles (Sorbetto al Vino Rosso)

Buy the book here

Now for The Contest

What is the most important ingredient that you will find in every recipe in this book?

The first person to answer the question correctly in the comments below will win the book. The winner will be announced via twitter and posted on this page.

Fine Print: Contest will run until someone answers the question correctly. You must enter your full name, Twitter or Email address and register with your email address when entering the contest.

Congratulations Katherine Chu @KatherineKW for winning the contest.

Posted in Contests Tags: , , , , , 3 Comments »

POOR ITALIAN

January 3rd, 2011 admin

3296 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-251-1122

Web: http://www.pooritalian.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Reservations suggested, free parking.

My friend Ajay joined me for a delightful dinner recently at this Eastside Italian, within minutes I noticed friends Rick and Kathleen being seated at a nearby table. This was a first time visit for all of us as it turned out, and we were fortunate to be able to meet Executive Chef John Costanzi and to talk to him about his classic Italian cooking.

Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad

Linguine Vongole

Grilled Rack of Lamb

The large and colourful room was bustling with dinners on this Monday evening. To begin I had a glass of Di Lenardo Pinot Grigio IGT 2008 (Italy) and Ajay had a glass of the Piccini Chianti DOC 2008 (Italy). We each had the Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad ($12) Crispy pancetta, shallot and pine nut vinaigrette to start, we then shared the Linguine Vongole ($18) White wine, garlic, fresh clams, and for our entrée we each had the delicious Grilled Rack of Lamb ($32) Balsamic glazed cipollini onion and rosemary jus. We both loved the cipollini onion glaze with the lamb which made for an outstanding dish.

Tortino d‘Olio Warm Olive Oil Cake (L) & Dark Chocolate Terrine (R)

We were both quite full, however dessert was in order. We shared two desserts the Dark Chocolate Terrine ($11) with red wine sorbet, cracked sea salt and the outstanding Tortino d‘Olio Warm Olive Oil Cake ($9), with sweet rosemary gelato.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Eastside Tags: , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments »

GUSTO DI QUATTRO

December 20th, 2010 admin

1 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

Tel: 604-924-4444

Web: http://www.quattrorestaurants.com/gindex.html

Twitter: @GustoDiQuattro

Advice: Reservations suggested.

Romantic hideaway by night, a place to escape by day, this fine dining contemporary Italian gem is located minutes away from the northshore seabus terminal. I had dinner on my own recently, which gave me an opportunity to visit Executive Chef Nik Lim who is so passionate about cooking and wonderful guy to chat with about food and most of all Italian cuisine.

Caprese

Taking a look at their menu you will see that they have it divided into Classics and Seasonal, most of the classics are Roman and ones that are constant for remaining on their menu, then there are the Seasonal and most of those have an added a west-coast influence to the original modern Italian. I reviewed their wine list which had a good selection of wines by the glass.  I had some of their tasty home-made focaccia bread dipping it into the extra virgin olive oil while deciding on which dishes to order.

Steelhead Salmon

Gelato

To begin I had the Caprese ($14) –vine ripened tomatoes, fior de latte mozzarella, EVOO and fresh basil from their Classics menu, I also had a glass of the Tantalus Riesling ’07 ($10.95) the next dish was the outstanding Steelhead Salmon ($30 market price) with sweet potatoes, spinach, bacon, broth topped with a tarragon aioli of their Seasonal menu. To end this delicious meal I had their Homemade Gelato ($9) vanilla bean & hazelnut praline with an amaretto cookie.

The restaurant is cozy and intimate with fine service, I was happy that I ventured on the Seabus from downtown to the northshore for this wonderful dinner.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in North Vancouver Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments »
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