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Posts Tagged ‘Pasta’

COSCA RESTAURANT

October 20th, 2011 admin

UPDATED 11/21/12 BUSINESS HAS CLOSED

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 »

FIREWOOD OVEN PIZZA

July 18th, 2011 admin

3004 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-873-0001

Web: http://thefirewoodcafe.ca

Twitter: @thefirewoodcafe

Advice:  For delivery they will deliver your order in our HOTBAG, delivery is free within a 4km radius. Great monthly specials.

#7 California Pizza

#21 Tuscany Pizza

I had fond memories from ordering pizza to go years ago from Firewood, recently I yearned for some pizza delivered to me so that I could eat at home for a change. I ordered the #7 California Pizza (Medium $16) BBQ chicken, red onions, cilantro & smoked gouda which was as good as I remembered it to be. Tonight was another perfect night to dine in at home, this time I ordered the #21 Tuscany Pizza (Small $11.60) Fresh basil, fresh garlic, red peppers & sun-dried tomatoes. I loved both of the pizzas and both were quite different too.

There are all sorts of toppings to choose from on the pizzas if you wish to customize your own pizza, though the best way would be to order one of their pizza creations off the menu by number. You will also find a good selection of pasta dishes, salads and garlic bread.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Cambie Street 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 »

LOBBY RESTAURANT

April 4th, 2011 admin

138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Tel: 604-986-7437

Web: http://pinnaclepierhotel.com/the_lobby.html

Twitter: @PinnaclePier

Advice: Located inside the Pinnacle Pier Hotel.

Bread Basket

Warm Fig and Shallot Goat’s Cheese Tart

Phyllo Crusted Baked Brie

Overlooking Burrard inlet and the downtown Vancouver skyline, my friend Meena joined me for dinner and we were delighted with the many Ocean Wise seafood selections as well as their vegetarian choices. To start a bread basket arrived to the table with a delicious spread, then to begin our meal, I had the outstanding Warm Fig and Shallot Goat’s Cheese Tart ($10) mission figs, roasted shallot, and Okanagan Chevre and Meena had the Phyllo Crusted Baked Brie ($9) with mission fig and cherry compote, organic greens and passionfruit vinaigrette, served with fresh baguette.

Lobster Bisque with cinnamon crème

Cauliflower Soup

I then had the delicious Lobster Bisque with cinnamon crème ($8) and Meena had the delicious special soup of the day the Cauliflower Soup ($6).

Roasted Vancouver Island Sablefish

Roasted Tomato Penne

For our entrée I had the Roasted Vancouver Island Sablefish ($24) soy and brown sugar glaze with sautéed baby bok choy & ginger rice and my friend had the Roasted Tomato Penne ($15) with tomatoes, roasted garlic, olive oil, baby spinach and feta cheese.

Hazelnut Tart

Espresso pot du creme, chocolate mousse

Apple Tart

For dessert I had the Hazelnut Tart ($8) which I didn’t care for and the Espresso pot du creme, chocolate mousse ($8) and Meena had the best dessert of the night, the Apple Tart ($8) topped with vanilla ice cream. The service was terrific, and our server was helpful in assisting Meena with Vegetarian options.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

HOG SHACK COOK HOUSE

March 13th, 2011 admin

160-3900 Bayview Street, Richmond

Tel: 604-272-7264

Web: www.hogshack.ca

Twitter: @hogshackca

Advice: Share one of their BarbQ platters if you dine with friends so that you can try all of their BarbQ. They specialize in Kansas City style of BarbQ.

Poutine

Mammoth Platter

Cornbread, Yam Fries, Potato Wedges, Coleslaw, Baked Beans

I have always loved BarbQ especially when travelling in the Southern USA, I recently dined with my friend Julie Ovenell-Carter who is a travel writer and one who loves good BarbQ as well. We were both impressed by their Craft Beer list and our server Joana who was well versed in the beer on hand and which beer would be best with their dishes. at the Hog Shack. We took our servers lead, Julie had the Immortal IPA (India Pale Ale) from Seattle’s Elysian Brewing and I had the Tree Brewing Cut Throat Pale Ale. We then shared an order of their Poutine ($7) hand cut potato fries, cheese curds and gravy, and then it was time to dig in to our sharing feast. All eyes were on the table when our Mammoth Platter ($45.50 serves two) arrived featuring a selection of their Dinosaur Beef Bones, Smoked Beef Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, St. Louise Side Ribs, Pulled Pork and Chicken Legs that was served with a selection of sides which included their delicious house made corn bread, yam fries, potato wedges, coleslaw and baked beans. They have a vast menu of all sorts of dishes such as Tacos, Schnitzels, Sandwiches, Burgers, Pasta, Salads and Seafood, however BarbQ is the focus and that is what you should order.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

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 »

VIA VENETO

December 4th, 2010 admin

656 West Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: 604-708-3300

Web: http://www.viavenetovancouver.com

Advice:  Delicious basket of Focaccia bread served complimentary to begin the meal.

My friend joined me for lunch recently at this Northern Italian restaurant, a great fine dining addition to this neighbourhood.

Minestrone alla Contadina

Carpaccio all’ Emiliana

Insalata alla Caprese

Caesar Salad

We began our lunch with the delicious and full of flavours, Minestrone alla Contadina ($5.95) made from the finest vegetables and fresh herbs; where we both had this dish.  We then shared the Carpaccio all’ Emiliana ($8.95) prime Alberta beef tenderloin with Parmigiano reggiano, Arugula, Capers and Extra virgin olive oil. I then had the next dish on my own, Insalata alla Caprese ($8.95) fresh Bocconcini, Roma tomatoes, caperberry, fresh basil and Extra virgin olive oil and my friend had the traditional Caesar Salad ($6.95).

Veal Paillard

Astice alla Veneziana

We then shared the light and tasty Veal Paillard ($13.95) grilled milk-fed Veal scallopine with salsa verde and then we both shared the outstanding house specialty Astice alla Veneziana ($39.95) fresh whole Atlantic lobster prepare with a traditional Venetian recipe, served on a bed of savory spaghetti.

Zuppa Inglese

Since I love desserts, especially Italian desserts I had the delicious Zuppa Inglese ($7.95) Chocolate and almond frozen crusted mousse with pistachio and vanilla sponge cake. They have a very nice wine list although we both opted for sparkling water during our lunch. The service was gracious and inviting, you can see how all the staff work so well together it is as if they are one big family. I am looking forward to a return visit one night for dinner and for another slice of the Zuppa Inglese!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in West Side Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments »
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