I’ve been fan of Nicli Pizzeria since opening awhile back, owner Bill McCaig is passionate and a perfectionist which is evident at Nicli. He recently opened Nicli’s Next Door, I dined with a group of media to sample the fine Italian fare.
Cold Pea and Coppa Soup to start, refreshing after pour soup into the bowl, nice citrus note!
Bruschetta with capoccolo, bacon, leek jam and arugula was delicious!
Arancini stuffed with pork Ragu and San Marzano tomato hearty and flavourful!
Eggplant Involtini with house made ricotta, San Marzano tomato, lemon and thyme YUM!
Braised Meatballs (pork and beef) in a marinara sauce with house baked bread is delicious!
Roasted romanesco and sunchoke purée great dish!
Reginette with pork Ragu Napolatana and house bread, rich and hearty!
Chef Dave Tozer and Chef Keev Mah have created a mixture of Italian-inspired dishes. They are making house-made ricotta, salumi and a selection of fresh pasta dishes using as much local product as possible.
Next Door’s beverage list skews to sophisticated cocktails such as a barrel-aged Boulvardier and Next Door’s Negroni, an all-Italian wine list and local craft beers.
One wall features the heritage building’s original warm brick and the opposite wall is a complex dimensional mosaic in reclaimed fir butt ends. Anchoring the room is a reclaimed wood bar – the top produced from reclaimed fir with a fresh-cut edge, the facia from rustic walnut and the kick from weathered fir. Next Door will seat about 40 people – bar seating, room for larger groups, and most importantly, smaller tables for you and your friends.
Nicli’s Next Door is located at 68 West Cordova in Gastown and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm onwards. You can call them at 604-669-6985
By: Richard Wolak