Category Archives: Italian

Salvatore’s La Lustica

Salvatore's La Spaghetteria Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - ZomatoWe were in the neighbourhood, so we thought we’d dine at a restaurant that looked like an authentic Italian restaurant. The entrance was all lite up and was very inviting. Also, their early bird menu that was posted on their window had attractive prices.

The interior has a nice cozy atmosphere, and since we were a bit early for supper, the place was still fairly empty. As soon as we walked in, a friendly gentleman greeted us. idearabbit_la_rustica1 idearabbit_la_rustica4 idearabbit_la_rustica3 idearabbit_la_rustica2 idearabbit_la_rustica5

I ordered the Italian Snitzel $11.95 with 4 cheese sauce. It was interesting to see a German dish being called ‘Italian’. It was served with pasta (though you have the option of choosing risoto or potatoes instead) with vegetables. idearabbit_la_rustica6

Sheepie had the Chicken Cacciatore $12.95 with spaghetti mixed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms and peppers in wine sauce. On the menu on the table, the price is $11.95, but we were charged a dollar more. I guess their prices haven’t been updated? It was steaming hot!

With both dishes, the portions were huge! Wow. Actually, I ended up liking the flavour of the Cacciatore, so we swapped plates, lol. Even then, there were leftovers, so I had the remainders to go.

idearabbit_la_rustica7 idearabbit_la_rustica8 At the end, I had a pleasant surprise of receiving a carnation! I’ve seen restaurants giving them to ‘mothers’ on mother’s day, but this was just a normal day, and I wasn’t a ‘mother’. I did see other females receiving the flower, so not sure if this is a regular thing. Either way, it was a nice way to finish the evening.

Service was excellent. I wouldn’t say it was superior pasta, but the portion and price was great. Lovely flowers for all those ladies out there!

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrot

 

 

 

 

Ciao Bella

Ciao Bella Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato Right on the corner of Denman, amongst a selection of world-wide cuisine is an Italian restaurant. It was bustling inside as we entered and a hostess came to greet us. We had reservations for 6pm, but she seemed to push us to the patio. I was reluctant, as it had been an extremely windy and chilly weather during the day, but with the reassurance that there was heating, we followed her outside. The patio had a covered roof with the heater, and the sides were enclosed with a clear plastic cover.

idearabbit-ciaobella1Our server checked with the table with a couple next to us first, as they were already going through the menu. He flipped around to our table and greeted us, and noticed that the course special menu wasn’t included, so he flipped around back to the other table and got one of their sheet for us.

idearabbit-ciaobella2No bread came for a while, but when it finally came, it was dry, so the oil and balsamic vinegar to compensate helped a bit.

idearabbit-ciaobella3I ordered the Vongole $17.95 which for the first time had no shells with the clams. Although easier to eat, the clams seems to be bits and pieces like it came out of a grinder. Although colourful, it seemed like no consideration was put in for the presentation. It was pulled out of the pot and straight onto the plate. Next~. It was quite garlicky, which I liked, but the portion seemed too much. Disappointing for a classier, more pricey Italian restaurant.

When they brought out our pasta dishes, the server made no effort in taking our empty bread basket nor the small plates used for eating the bread. Having a tiny table to start off with, we were crammed with stuff on our table. Thumbs down.

idearabbit-ciaobella4Sheepie ordered the Frafalle Alla Diavlo $21.95. He didn’t seem to like it, nor did he feel too good afterwards.

The heater above us started to really grill us. It wasn’t just ‘warm’. It was literally cooking us. Luckily, this happened near the end of our dinner.

When the server asked if we wanted dessert, we declined as the large portions were quite filling. The bill came out right away.

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot

Al Porto Ristorante

Click to add a blog post for Al Porto Ristorante on ZomatoA hidden gem in the historic, charming part of downtown – Gastown. The restaurant was quite large and spacious. Most tables were full with active servers swooshing by.

The complimentary sliced bread were not warm. I am not sure if this is the custom of Italian restaurants, but I was hoping to be warm. They served it with olive oil and balsmic vinegar to dip into.

idearabbit-alporte1 idearabbit-alporte2idearabbit-alporte3For our appetizer to share, we had the Calamari $9.95. I was expecting a small portion, but we were both surprised with the huge amount – perhaps the largest one I’ve ever seen. Great price, love the ample green herbs mixed in, very fresh and crisp! The Chef’s tartar sauce went really well. The diced tomatoes were refreshing. 5/5

idearabbit-alporte4 idearabbit-alporte5I ordered the Linguine Vongol $15.95 with clams, white, brodo and butter. There were generous number of clams. The pasta was al dente, something I can’t quite get used to…lol. I remember the first time I went to Italy, I was outraged that a decent restaurant was serving half cooked pasta…ha ha. The flavour was good. 4/5

idearabbit-alporte6Sheepie ordered the Veal Saltimbocca $22.95 with prosciuttio, sage and red wined demi sauce. Sheepie wasn’t too happy with the dish. He said the veal was salty and rubbery.

Service was satisfactory. The atmosphere bright, open and lively. Would return again.

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot  Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot
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