Although we don’t live in downtown Vancouver we do find ourselves there on occasion. Randomly or planned we almost always include a trip to The Italian Kitchen. What a trip it always is! The food at The Italian Kitchen is always well prepared, beautifully presented and just plain delicious.
This is our second visit since my review on September 12th. The Soul of Sicily at The Italian Kitchen which you can read here. Our previous visit we enjoyed the same dishes but this time, last night, October 14th, we chose a different path.
One of the things we love about The Italian Kitchen is that the menu lends itself to suit your appetite. If you’re really hungry and looking for the best Italian than you can order any of the mains all for yourself. The portions are generous. Also, if your appetite runs to smaller portions then their dishes are perfect for sharing. Some pasta dishes are available in a half order. That pretty much covers all the bases.
Last night we focused on trying two shared dishes we hadn’t had before:
To start we were treated to an amuse bouche
Seared scallop
scallop nestled on pureed squash with a pea shoot
Out of this world taste of the pureé and the perfectly cooked scallop. Fresh and delicious, such a delicacy having fresh seafood available year round.
Focaccia
house baked, served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Always fresh and warm, perfect for dipping in the olive oil and balsamic. An ideal starter, but save a bit for the pasta sauce to come later.
Caesar Salad $19
romaine, herbed garlic croutons, shaved parmesan, crispy capers, fried shallots
Absolutely big enough to share. This salad was fresh, crisp and loaded with shaved parmesan. The house made dressing is over the top goodness. We probably could have shared this between three people, it was that generous. I especially loved the fried shallots and crispy capers that added that little something special to this classic.
Gnocchi Asparagi e Funghi $31
handmade gnocchi, chanterelle mushrooms, asparagus, parmesan cream, ricotta salata
Oh my goodness, just like nonna would make. This dish was so good and so classic Italian, just the way we like it. The gnocchi was a combination of pasta done right with heavenly, soft and rich filling accented by an array of earthy mushrooms in a sauce that was just so good. Lots of mushrooms and slices of fresh asparagus. I’m definitely having this dish again.
Cheesecake $14
greek yogurt cheesecake, whipped ganache, topped with Amarena cherries, graham crust, fresh mint
There are many different versions of cheesecake but none that compare to this one. I love a moist, creamy cheesecake that is hardly cake at all just smooth goodness. The graham crust was super thin leaving the cheesecake to be the star. It was fairly light but decadently rich. Although we almost never indulge in a dessert, no one could resist this one.
For our splurge we ordered TORRE ZAMBRA Pecorino
Opening with fragrant orange blossom and a hint of pineapple with tropical notes. On the palate a hit of minerality, freshness along with grapefuit and pith. Although I wouldn’t call it crisp it is refreshing with a close to medium body. Eccellent acidity with a lingering finish. Loving the citrus notes.
Next time I would probably have the gnocchi again but pair it with the ETNA Planeta Rosso and maybe start with either the Caesar or the always delightful Caprese Salad. There is always the traditional endive salad which would be define with the gnocchi.
Reservations strongly recommended. Book here.
Dinner with complimentary amuse bouche and complimentary dessert, including wine and a bottle of sparkling water, was $142.60. (all taxes included) Super affordable if you subtract the wine ($82. + 15% tax) which was a splurge (leaving the food at a very affordable $48.30 including tax). We left a gratuity for the always super staff of $35.00.