Italian

Side Hustle and Annabelle’s Kitchen

October 11, 2023 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

L and I met with Matech and Fit for drinks at Side Hustle in Marda Loop. On its website, Side Hustle is self-described as a watering hole tucked behind an alley, so I was surprised to find this bar anything but a hole in the wall. Let’s listen to “Radio” by Lana Del Rey for this post.

We sat on a comfortably large sofa across from the bar by the front. L admired the lamp fixtures against the wall while I noticed the open window wall. A group of young, clamorous females sat in one corner while every 15 minutes or so, a customer would come in, sit at a nook by the bar, and order a fondue and a glass of wine.

For most of our visit, only one bartender took the orders, crafted drinks and brought out food, all without a single drop of sweat. L and Matech drank beers while Fit ordered a glass of Lambrusco (Solco, $11). Our server recommended a chai cocktail. Sweet, light and pretty, with aromatic spices, this is a winning cocktail. I relished the flavour combination so much that I told my friend Kournikova we had a new place to try for girls’ night.

Fit was hungry, so we ordered some snacks: Tom’s sausage rolls ($13), Parm fries ($10) and warm olives ($8). The pastry on the sausage roll was flaky. The filling itself was well seasoned. I found the homemade hot sauce a little too fiery. The frites were crispy and tasty. I commented there was aioli for the frites, and Fit disclosed that she doesn’t care for dipping sauce. L noted he liked the olives, which is a big compliment, as he doesn’t like olives outside of Greece.

A novel twist in the conversation unfolded when Matech chatted about his latest project. As he delved into the details, I was puzzled, as it seemed unusual for their workplace to start up on this particular venture. However, Matech quickly clarified the mystery, revealing that he worked with L part-time. His full-time gig was in the tech industry. It was funny that he had a side hustle, much like the bar we were in.

When we finished our second round of drinks, Matech said it was time to go. L picked up the tab, and I went on my phone to click onto an Uber. Matech, a master of spontaneity, clarified that we were all heading to a second locale. I looked at my watch, surprised, as it was already 8:00 p.m. Fit said they Ubered out, so they wanted to get their night’s worth despite having to fly out first thing in the morning.

We snagged a table at Annabelle’s Kitchen. Matech ordered a bottle of Montepulciano wine as well as the crispy cauliflower ($16), arancini ($15), Nonna’s meatballs ($17), and a pizza (Mind Your Manners, $25). Matech picked this wine because he recently visited the Montepulciano region. I also learned that Fit doesn’t like dry wine because she finds the mouthfeel off-putting.

Speaking of wine, Fit told us about these fun wine parties she attends, hosted by the Wine Wizard. Small world! It turns out she’s friends with the Wine Wizard’s sister. I disclosed how we used to be next-door neighbours with the Wine Wizard, and the first time we met, he came to drop off a bottle of champagne. Fresh out of grad school and working as a research assistant, I drank the cheapest wine I could find at the time: Apothic. So when the Wine Wizard entered our house, I asked him if he wanted a glass of wine. He politely thanked me, and as he swirled and sniffed, I instantly got a bad feeling in my tummy. I never ask people what they do for a living, but a little voice in my head was panicking, so I inquired. He responded, “Oh, I import wine and am a wine connoisseur.” My face burned with embarrassment, and I fought the urge to shout in slow motion, “Noooooo!” and slam that glass out of his hand before he took a sip. Even now, when I reflect back, I wonder how he effortlessly drained that towering glass without even the slightest flinch. He transformed into a champion, a sorcerer of spirits, and for that one cursed evening, he was nothing short of a benevolent deity.

Our food came quickly. We first bit into the arancini, which was crunchy on the outside and hot and cheesy in the middle. Next up was the beef meatballs, which I found soft and mealy. I enjoyed swirling my meatball into the creamy pool of polenta, though Fit mentioned she dislikes cornmeal. The cauliflower had a light batter that melted in your mouth, and the vegetable tasted nutty and caramelized. I would order the fried cauliflower again.

The crust on the pizza was thin and crisp, with a proportional amount of pepperoni, mushrooms and mozzarella. The hot honey and red sauce gave it a needed kick. The food was tasty, but I really appreciated the stellar service at Annabelle’s and Side Hustle. Though it cleared out when we finished eating, our server never rushed us out and kept topping us up with water.

Thanks for the dinner Matech and Fit, and for the fun company. We will have to get together again, either at our place or at one of the Wine Wizard’s dinner events. I’ll even bring a very special bottle of wine we can drink before the event, to toast to the Wine Wizard, and it won’t be Apothic.

Rea’s Italian Cucina

March 21, 2023March 21, 2023 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

I wanted to take my brother Five Stars (formerly known as Jacuzzi) out for Italian food. I picked Rea’s Italian Cucina, a restaurant I’ve heard from acquaintances who swear the food at Rea’s reminds their nonna’s cooking. Let’s listen to the “Pasta Song” La Famiglia for this post.

When we arrived, I noticed most of the customers appeared to be of Italian heritage, which I considered an excellent indicator of what was to come. L commented he liked the old-school vibe, dark furniture, prominent paintings, and curtained windows. Five Stars said he was surprised every table was filled by 6:35 pm. L informed him that Calgarians prefer to eat early.

Our server, Dante, greeted L as he recognized him. It turns out that Dante is the owners’ son and a Haskayne School of Business student. What a small world.

For drinks, I ordered a glass of Ripassa (9 oz, $19), L picked a glass of Peroni ($8.50), while Five Stars chose an Orangina ($4.50). For food, I ordered the Calamari ($17), Salsiccia Casa Sausage ($17), Linguine Mare ($31), Fusilli Ferraro ($23), and a medium pizza, the Sandro Special ($24).

I recommend ordering appetizers, as the two we tried kicked some serious ass. The sausage had a spicy kick with a generous fat-lean ratio. What stood out for me was the chewy texture and unique seasoning. The tomato basil sauce was just beautiful, robust with a vibrant tomato flavour. All sausages should aspire to be Rea’s sausage. L and Five Stars said this was their favourite appetizer.

Five Stars noticed that I handed my phone to L to take pictures of the food and asked him if he usually took photos. With a long-suffering sigh, L rolled his eyes and confided that he had always taken the pictures but never received any credit. I retorted that L has a better eye for photography than I do, and I also make Five Stars take photos for me. I thought but did not say it was lovely they could bond over a common complaint.

I preferred the calamari wasn’t deep-fried because you could enjoy the satiny texture, and L mentioned it was cooked perfectly. The ringlets were silky smooth, and tender. We both loved the tangy sauce. L pointed out the big difference between the sausage’s tomato sauce and the calamari. I tried the two side-by-side and thought the tomato sauce in the calamari tasted more like olive oil. I would get the calamari again.

After a suitable amount of time, our mains arrived. The pizza dough was homemade and in between a Greek-style and Neapolitan crust. Covered in molten cheese, I could detect a pleasingly strong smoky flavour. The olives, prosciutto and cheese tasted extra good to me.

The fusilli was my favourite because of the pure decadence of the rose sauce. The creamy sauce was so smooth and luscious that I cleaned the plate. Five Stars mentioned he liked the texture of the fusilli. Slick with a slippery sauce, the surface still had a slight chew.

The linguine mare is one of Rea’s signature dishes. There was almost as much sauce as noodles, which I loved because the tomato sauce was so thick, fresh and balanced. L and Five Stars were surprised there was so much seafood. The ratio of clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp and calamari to noodles was even. The flavour of all the shellfish was prominent, though the brightness of the tomato sauce cut through some of it. I dig the cheeses Rea uses in the pasta and pizza – it’s more flavourful and tastes better than the one I use at home.

I would come back. I’d order everything again, but I want to try the veal tortellini for variation, and L said he wants to try the chicken parmesan. We shared everything, so the amount of food we ordered was perfect. We only had half a pizza left over. Five Stars declared this was his favourite meal in Calgary. He asked how we found it. L gestured to me, and I explained I’d heard about this restaurant for over a decade now, as it has a reputation for homestyle Italian food. Hitting the Sauce gives Rea’s two phat thumbs up.

Bakery · Brunch · Italian · Restaurants

Lina’s Italian Market – Inglewood

February 21, 2023 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Before our wine-tasting event at Bricks Wine Co, Sunflower generously treated me to brunch. She initially suggested Deane House, but I remembered Lina’s Italian Market opened a new location in Inglewood, which I wanted to check out. For this post, let’s listen to “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus.

We wandered over to the kitchen side of the store and learned there is a cafeteria-like area where you can pick what you want to eat and a cafe section. Sunflower commented on the pretty green wallpaper and the cozy and quaint-looking booths. I’d typically order a coffee at an Italian cafe, but I was jonesing to celebrate and opted for a glass of white wine ($13) instead. Sunflower ordered a Bellini ($15). We shared the Deluxe Mushroom Calzone ($16) and the Potato Apple Smoked Caciocavallo Frico ($18).

Our server picked a lovely white wine for me – it wasn’t the rough table wine that some markets serve. I would order the wine again, however, it was Sunflower’s bellini that kicked some serious ass. The flavour was so freaking delicious, floral and refreshing. This drink was so superb; it made Milestone / Cactus Club bellini taste like a 7/11 slushy.

Evenly browned throughout and freshly baked, the calzone’s crust was light and thin. The filling consisted of bocconcini and what looked like Beech mushrooms. The ragu was bold and intensely tomatoey, with a hint of rosemary.

Sunflower’s dish was so good! The potato pancake was lacey and delicate, with a toasty crunch. Sunflower thought the smoked cheese tasted similar to bacon. I loved the onions’ deep flavour and the creaminess of the orange-yellow yolk.

Lina’s has warm vibes. The staff are friendly and happy to chat about their products. Someone stopped by our table to offer us a sample of Italian beer you can only buy at Lina’s. Our server showed us the white peach puree they use and sell in the store.

After we ate, Sunflower and I marvelled at the imported goods and selection of cheeses. She bought some dried mushrooms, and I picked up some bread, fresh basil, dill and mint leaves. We also bought four bottles of the white peach puree to make bellinis at home. Lina’s is a welcome addition to Inglewood and will be a frequent stop for me.

Bakery · Deli · Dessert · Italian · Pizza · Restaurants

Italian Centre Shop

January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 Hitting the Sauce1 Comment

My father-in-law Bobbino and I are trying to get in as many beer and pizza lunches as possible before my sabbatical ends. We usually head to Richmond Pub or Newcastle Pub, but I was craving something different on Monday. For this post, let’s listen to “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel.

I suggested we drop by the Italian Centre Shop for pizza and wine / beer. Unfortunately, we arrived right at the busiest time. A line-up snaked around the corner, and I noticed with mild irritation that each customer (including myself) asked several questions before ordering. However, the employee at the cashier did an admirable job getting all the customers through while still ensuring each order was perfect. For example, when I ordered my pizzas, she instructed the pizza maker to ensure the prosciutto and tomato were on every slice.

I ordered a glass of dry red wine ($6), a Peroni ($6), and two pizzas – the Diavolo ($16) and the Fresco ($16). The eating area consisted mainly of small tables for two, and each table was taken by what looked like regulars. I could tell they were regulars because they didn’t ooh and aah like Bobbino and I when we saw our food. Bobbino exclaimed how good they smelled and looked. The young pizza maker smiled and informed us that he makes each pizza with love.

The flavour of the olive oil, bocconcini and fresh, thinly sliced ripe tomatoes in the Fresca pizza was gentle and soft. Even the saltiness in the prosciutto was subtle. Yes, I could taste the love. The Diavola was the saucier of the two pizzas, with a zing of heat from the spicy soppressata and peppers. The edges of the crust are thin and light, darkened in tiny spots on the crust.

I recommend over ordering even though this style of pizza is best eaten fresh from the oven. It is so satisfying to punctuate the meal with different flavours. Pro-tip, each 12-inch pizza is more than enough food for one person. We had enough leftovers to take home to L and his mother, Mama G.

When I went to get some boxes to pack the leftover pizza, I saw the man who is always featured on the Italian Centre Shop’s Instagram account. I recognized him but didn’t want to be awkward, so I feigned ignorance. There’s nothing worse than being a groupie.

When Bobbino went to find something sweet for Mama G’s dessert, I scoped out the dried kinds of pasta and produce. Mamma Mia! How can I resist you? The selection, quality, and prices are far more palatable than Calgary Coop and Safeway! I’m going to start shopping here for my arugula, garlic, olive oil, Di Cecco pasta, and canned tomatoes. Hitting the Sauce gives the Italian Centre Shop two phat thumbs up.

Italian · Pizza · Restaurants

Noble Pie Pizza – Round two

September 29, 2022December 1, 2022 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

My beloved Jaime is in town! I haven’t seen my vegetarian friend since COVID. I suggested Noble Pie Pizza for our dinner date, as I know she appreciates a good pizza. For this post, let’s listen to “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd.

We ordered the Marinated Olives ($8) and a glass of the Venturini Baldini Lambrusco rosé ($13) to start. The green olive was our favourite of the bunch because the flesh was buttery and juicy. I loved the flavours of the fennel, citrus and rosemary in the marinade.

We ordered three pizzas in the new dine-in 13″ size – the Sweet Cheesus ($19), Brooklyn White ($19), and the Magic Pie ($19). We purposely ordered too much food, as we wanted to try everything. So much food was left over that we took an entire pie home.

The Sweet Cheesus was the simplest of the trio. Jaime thought this was more of a dessert than a savoury main because of the honey. The pizza was saucy and cheesy; the two prominent flavours were honey and Sicilian oregano. I can see this pizza being popular with kids. I learned this at my last family reunion, as my nephews and nieces would only eat cheese pizza.

Jaime’s favourite was the Brooklyn White. Man, this is one tasty pizza! The rich, heady flavours of the caramelized onions and sesame seeds were prominent. The ricotta was creamy and paired well with garlic, parsley, and cheeses. I would get this again.

I would also order the Magic Pie again. Miss Foodie recommended this secret menu item. She never steers me wrong. The fennel sausage was fatty (in a good way) and spicy, with a hint of licorice. The cream, basil, and fresh mozzarella made this gloriously decadent.

Jaime mentioned that New Yorkers eat their pizza slices folded in half. I tried this method and found one benefit – the crust enveloped all the saucy goodness. However, I’m not 100% sold on “To Fold or Not to Fold,” but I’m willing to try this methodology again.

I can’t wait to see more of Jaime in the future, now with COVID restrictions on the decrease. Perhaps our next visit can be to Italy, her favourite travel destination.

Italian · Pizza · Restaurants

Noble Pie Pizza

August 13, 2022August 14, 2022 Hitting the Sauce2 Comments

The Executive has the best after-work life. In the last month, she’s been to Vintage, Donna Mac, Pat and Betty, Wise and Wright and PD3 by Blake. I love hearing her recaps so much that it inspired me to try a new restaurant. Let’s listen to “Smooth Criminal” by Micheal Jackson.

Based on what I’ve read, Noble Pie Pizza has an excellent reputation with its customers. I’ve always wanted to go, but the no reservation policy deterred me. On Thursday night, I told L we had to go. He agreed and said if there were a wait, he would be okay with it. Lucky for us, there were still spots at the bar.

You access Nobel Pizza through the back alley by Metrovino Wines and the Cookbook Shop. When we walked in, I noticed four chefs lined up side-by-side, each intensely focused on their work. I could tell right away we were in good hands. The restaurant is small but spacious, as the tables aren’t crammed together like most popular spots. The room is dimly lit, with a funky vibe. I mentioned to L that the music wasn’t generic. He nodded and said, more importantly, it was at an appropriate volume. Noble Pizza seems popular with families, as parents and their kids occupy most of the booths.

When I saw the wine list, I knew I had to bring my friends here for girls’ night. I ordered a glass of the Venturini Baldini Lambrusco rosé ($13). Our server gave me an extra big pour because he was near the end of the bottle. His unexpected generosity gave me a burst of giddiness. The sparkling rosé was fresh and light.

We shared the Noble Caesar Salad ($15). This salad is pure joy. I was shocked to see the mountain of parmigiano reggiano piled on top of the lettuce. I asked our server if we could get extra cheese. She looked alarmed and then smiled when she realized I was joking. The romaine lettuce was crisp and cool. I prefer Noble’s Caesar to Una’s, because the former has a softer, fluffier texture, and the proportion of garlicky anchovy sauce to lettuce was spot on, so each piece of lettuce was glossy from the dressing. The toasted panko added a subtle crunch.

We ordered an 18-inch Half Roni / Half Extra Fancy ($37) pizza. Holy Cheesus, what a beauty! The crust was glorious – the edges billowed out, creating beautiful air pockets. The dough was crisp and light. The last time I had a pizza of this calibre was at Savino Pizzeria and Rocket Pie.

The pepperoni in the roni was rich, salty, and still sizzling. I thought the oregano and pop of garlic in the tomato sauce were pleasantly pungent. The tissue of the bread was chewy. What was music to my ears was the blistering sound of the crunch and crackle of the crust as we chomped throughout our meal.

I enjoyed the fancy pizza the most because of the meaty pieces of roasted mushrooms and the crunch of the red onions. If you don’t like spicy food, ask to omit the jalapeños. I bragged to L that the jalapeños weren’t spicy, and then I bit into one with some seeds.

To quell my tingling tongue, I asked for a glass of red wine that was full-bodied and not heavy with tannins. Our server recommended Monte Bernardi Italia ti Adoro ($13). The wine was so damn smooth that it should be criminal.

The slices were massive. I could only eat two while L ate three. We had leftovers, enough for L’s breakfast and lunch. We are planning our second visit, where L wants to try the Sweet Cheezus pie. This place has it all! Fantastic wine, excellent service and some mind-blowing quality pizza. Hitting the Sauce gives Noble Pie Pizza two phat thumbs up.

Italian · Special Occasion

D.O.P. – Celebration dinner

October 21, 2021December 4, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Tuesday was a day of celebrations! First, I accepted a new position. Then, my friend Honesty quit her second job. Finally, Jyoti Gondek became Calgary’s new mayor. L took me, Honesty, and Glen Jr to D.O.P to celebrate this series of beautiful events. For this post, let’s listen to “Paperback Writer” by the Beatles.

I’ve been trying to get into D.O.P. for weeks. Even on a Tuesday night, the restaurant was packed, vibrating with energy from the open kitchen and the loud chatter from the customers dining at the bar. Pro tip – if you visit right when D.O.P opens, you’ll likely snag a spot at the bar.

We began with a round of drinks. Glen Jr chose a beer from Inner City ($8), L picked an Annex Italian Pilsner ($8). Honesty ordered a non-alcoholic Negroni ($6), and I sipped on a flute of Lambrusco ($14). I found the pinkish sparkling wine light, clean and minerally. L enjoyed his beer, which he said tasted like Peroni but better.

I heard D.O.P.’s antipasto are excellent, so we ordered two orders of Grilled Bread ($10); White Anchovy ($10); Whipped Ricotta ($9); Meatballs ($21.50); Eggplant ($7); and Green Pickled Tomatoes ($7). Holy moly – this bread is wondrous stuff. The innards of the bread were light and fluffy. I love how the bread puffs up and the big air pockets within. The outer layers of the bread were crispy, hot and salty. The olive oil was excellent – grassy and smooth. I know the French are known for their bread, but the heavyweight title should go to the Italians in Calgary. D.O.P, Rocket Pie, Savino, Azzurri, and Cotto – these chefs create magic with just flour, water, yeast, olive oil and salt.

Our server instructed us to eat the anchovies with ricotta and bread. What a knock-out pairing! The ricotta was cool and creamy, rich like whipped cream. The anchovies were bursting with umami – salty and pungent. I appreciated the crunch of the white onions against the oily mixture of fish and bread. This was my favourite bite of the night.

L doesn’t generally like eggplant, but he declared D.O.P’s version excellent. The eggplant was soft, tart and smokey. L thought he could taste balsamic in the eggplant.

L also doesn’t like tomatoes, but he was a fan of the pickled green tomatoes. He liked how the tomatoes were crunchy and tart. There was something in the tomato dressing that sparkled on my tongue.

Honesty loved the flavour of the meatballs. I was impressed with the soft, fluffy texture. The red sauce was delicious. Having made meatballs before, I could tell labour and a lot of love goes into this version. I would order this again and I’m not a fan of meatballs.

The Tajarin ($26) was a saucy, cheesy pasta dish. The thin egg noodles were soft and soaked up the flavour of the garlic and tomato sauce. I could see my father enjoying this dish. This pasta dish reminds me of an elevated version of the pasta at Nick’s Spaghetti House, an Italian restaurant my father would eat at weekly back in the 1960s.

I loved how the Veal Chop Parm ($49) arrived in this impressive, super-sized portion. The exterior was crunchy and sizzling hot. The veal itself was tender, blanketed in a heavy layer of melted provolone cheese. As I gnawed on the bone, I could feel the shards of the batter shatter and land in my hair. I’m not a dainty eater.

I ordered a bottle of Noelia Ricci Sangiovese ($65) to enjoy with our meal. I found this wine easy to drink, smooth and bright on my tongue. I also tried a glass of the house white wine ($9). I was so happy to find such an enjoyable glass of wine for only nine bucks; a tear escaped from the corner of my eye. Thank you D.O.P., you are my unicorn.

For dessert, we shared Gelato ($11), Plums ($11), and Limoncello ($16). The plums tasted like cherries to me. I thought I could detect a bit of licorice in the dessert. The gelato was cold and creamy, with a salty, crunchy garnish.

I’m a big fan of D.O.P. The antipasti, veal chop and wines are impressive. Hitting the Sauce gives D.O.P two phat thumbs up.

Italian · Pizza · Restaurants

Savino Pizzeria

May 29, 2021June 3, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Lovegastrogirl takes her pizza so seriously, she coordinates her pie with a matching outfit. Lately, she’s been posting nonstop about Savino Pizzeria. When I finished my work for the day, I decided I wanted to try this pizzeria.

I ran upstairs to tell L that we had to pick up a pizza for dinner. He asked me where the restaurant was located. I said it was in an alley somewhere in Glenbrook. He looked startled and I could tell he had more questions but as he was in the middle of work, he didn’t have time. I blurted out the place was legit and Lovegastrogirl eats there every week. He nodded and pointed to his credit card. For this post, let’s listen to “She Drives Me Crazy” by Fine Young Cannibals.

Savino Pizzeria is located in Glenbrook, in a food truck parked in a backyard. Their food is inspired by the pizzas in Naples, Italy. Three things you need to know. Each pizza is a personal size, so order at least one per person. The pizza is the opposite of what many North Americans have come to love in Greek-style pizza. Savino is all about using top quality ingredients and producing the freshest pizza you can find in Calgary.

The first time I tried Neapolitan pizza was in Cannes, France. I was twenty years old, with my girlfriend and a young New Zealand couple. When we only ordered a large pizza and a bottle of wine to share, the waiter made a face, and then took away our tablecloth and linens (mine was on my lap) and tossed us some paper napkins. Our friends were so pissed that to show their displeasure, they upturned the empty wine bottle and wedged it in the middle of the table. Luckily, there was no such snobbery or unnecessary confrontation at Savino, just delicious, fire-baked pizza.

I ordered Lovegastrogirl’s favourite pizzas – the Prosciutto and Arugula ($17) and the Quatro Formaggi with Prosciutto ($21). Pro tip – these pies arrive uncut – so you need a pair of scissors to do the deed yourself.

The first thing I noticed about the prosciutto and arugula pizza was the bright flavour of the tomato sauce. The grape tomatoes tasted so sweet, I thought this had to come from a garden. The arugula was plentiful and so fresh, I wondered where Savino buys their produce.

The quatro formaggi with prosciutto is a cheese lover’s dream. The blend of bocconcini, Parmigiano Reggiano, manchego, and gorgonzola was of pure decadence. The sweetness of the honey accentuated the richness of the cheeses. The homemade chili oil is worth its weight in gold. The oil is spicy enough to make you sputter, but it also had a flavourful kick to it. I use a lot of different chili oils and I’m telling you that Savino’s is the best I’ve tried.

Savino’s crust is thin, and the toppings are light, but I can tell the ingredients are of the best quality. L is a fan of the crust – it was chewy and airy. He was sure the dough was made with 00 flour. I liked the taste of the char on the blistered crust.

Of the two pizzas, our favourite was the four cheese pizza with prosciutto. I have what you call a hearty appetite. Hours later I was hungry again, so we did a dirty and ordered a snack from Popeyes. I need to start keeping salads in my fridge and not make bad late night eating choices.

If you go in knowing what Neapolitan pizza all is about, you’ll love this place. I certainly enjoyed it and look forward to ordering the pizzas again, as well as a bottle of that fabulous chili oil. Hitting the Sauce gives Savino Pizzeria two phat thumbs up.

Italian · Restaurants · Vancouver/Richmond

Vancouver – Lupo

August 14, 2019June 10, 2020 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

For our first night in Vancouver, L and I went our separate ways. He went on a bicycle and brewery tour with Moody and Cuz, while I took Beep Beep and N out for dinner. I’ve asked L before to set up N with his single friends, but he said she’ll eat them alive. When I told N, she agreed with L. Unlike me, she doesn’t like nice guys. In honour of N, let’s listen to “Bad Guy“ by Billie Eilish.

N recommended we dine at Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca, an Italian restaurant in Yaletown. Beep Beep and N suggested that I pick all the dishes and wine. I chose a bottle of Burrowing Owl ($96, Cabernet Sauvignon 2016). I found the wine full-bodied, intense but still fresh enough to sip on a warm summer night.

We shared the Bufala Mozzarella ($20), Parmigiana Custard ($20), Ricotta Gnocchi ($28), Taglierini ($28), and an order of Focaccia Bread ($7.00). A server accidentally brought over a plate of Octopus Mosaic ($20). When he realized his mistake, he told us to enjoy the octopus appetizer on the house.

We all thought the burrata was excellent. The cheese was creamy and smooth. The tomatoes were ripe and sweet. The organic greens were crisp and the basil noticeably fragrant. This dish rivaled the caprese salad at Cotto Italian in Calgary.

I wasn’t as crazy about the Parmigiana Custard. The texture was smooth and rich, and I enjoyed the cheesy custard-like texture, but it didn’t stand out like the other dishes.

We all loved the focaccia bread – it was ultra light with a crusty, airy exterior. The toppings of cheese, olive oil, cooked tomatoes and mushrooms made it almost pizza-like. The texture and flavour of Lupo’s bread is far superior to my homemade focaccia. I would order this again.

If you are into tomatoes, you must order the ricotta gnocchi. The gnocchi was soft, warm and gooey. Beep Beep said she could taste the fresh tomatoes in the sauce. I liked the addition of the eggplant. This was Beep Beep’s favourite dish. N was tipsy at this point and didn’t comment on the food, except to say it was good.

My favourite dish was the linguini with wild mushrooms. I enjoyed the sensation of crunching into the delicate earthy mushrooms. I found the chili and garlic oil downright decadent. I would order this again.

N informed me that Lupo is one of her go-to restaurants because of the excellent food, professional service, and the fact it’s a hidden gem in Vancouver. I enjoyed the food and company immensely. Hitting the Sauce gives Lupo two fat thumbs up.