4025 MacDonald Street, Vancouver
Tel: 604.730.6988
Web: http://www.labuca.ca
Twitter: @LaBuca
Advice: Make a reservation.
Pumpkin Ravioli
You can drive past La Buca and not realize you’ve just missed one of the greatest little Italian restaurants in town. Little because La Buca is nothing more than a store front dressed with fine, yet comfortable furniture and simply decorated walls. You could imaging this place to be out of the Godfather movie, yet I would rate the food and the service as exceptional. And so would others as the place was bustling the evening we were there.
Our venture into the fine cuisine started with a well displayed list of daily specials chalked on a blackboard. As an appetizer, the Chicken Livers Sgonfiotti caught my attention. With a crisp outer shell, the delicately cooked chicken liver almost melted in my mouth. My partner and I shared this delicious appetizer as we contemplating the meal to follow.
The entrée was served and she ordered one of the daily specials: Gnocci and Chicken Cacciatore. The chefs talents shone through with this serving as the Gnocci was presented al denté and perfectly seasoned in a tangy tomato based sauce. I ordered the Spaghetti Vongoli, a succulent mix of pasta combined with fresh steamed clams (in shells) with white wine, garlic and parsley.
Other items on the menu include: Garganelli Della casa Prosciutto, basil, garlic, sun dried tomato. Stracatto di vitello, risotto al vino rosso, slow cooked veal braised overnight and served with red wine risotto and mushrooms.
Desserts include: Blueberry tart, Cheesecake and a cheese plate of Gorgonzola with apple.
The full wine menu consisted of some great wines from italy.
La Buca is a hidden gem. Hard to find but easy to remember.
Review by: Brian Hebb
4025 MacDonald Street, Vancouver, BC