Mario Batali’s Wilted Greens with Garlic and Anchovies

I am always searching for tasty recipes that include lots of green vegetables. I enjoy eating most green veg but at times it can get a bit dull so I look for recipes that add some much-needed flavour and variety. I recently came across a Mario Batali recipe for “Wilted Greens with Garlic and Anchovies“. It sounded quick and easy, yet tasty – exactly what I was looking for. I used kale as the recipe calls for any sturdy green leaf and we have an abundance of kale here in BC. Mario recommends escarole or turnip greens.

Overall, it was a simple dish, although not particularly memorable nor impressive. I felt that it needed more of the fishy flavour so I would add 5 anchovy fillets, rather than just 3, next time. I also finished it with grated parmigiano reggiano for just a bit of added flavour.

Mario Batali’s Wilted Greens with Garlic and Anchovies – Serves 6
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 anchovy fillets, rinsed
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 head escarole or 1 head or bunch other sturdy leafy green, such as dandelions or turnip greens, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide ribbons, washed and spun dry
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon

Method:
Heat a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the olive oil, anchovies, and garlic and cook just until the garlic is light golden brown, about 30 seconds. Add the greens and cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, squeeze the lemon juice over, and serve.

Recipe from Epicurious.

The Dirty Apron Cooking Class – Primo Italiano

Cooking is one of my favourite hobbies so it is fair to assume that I love cooking classes. Friends of mine are well aware of this and so when it comes to getting me gifts, my friends know that they can’t go wrong with buying me a cooking class. I recently received a gift voucher for The Dirty Apron and I was eager to use it immediately. Last night I spent a few hours at The Dirty Apron Cooking School getting my hands dirty and eating my fill (plus some) at the “Primo Italiano: Italy from Country to Coast” class. I was so inspired leaving this class that I have signed up for another class tonight (I’ll tell you more about that one when I’ve completed it).

The menu was ambitious and we went a little over our 4 hour time limit but it was absolutely, without-a-doubt, worth it. Firstly, I must say that I saw a lot of improvements from the last class that I did, which was about a year ago. I had a great time at the “Ooh La La” French class but I was a little doubtful about the value. Let me clear that up right now. I am no longer in doubt – with the changes that the school has made the class is absolutely worth the $150. Changes that I had noticed from a year ago were sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres on arrival, the charcuterie plates that were served whilst we were cooking, and the complimentary apron. I believe that these additions really elevated the experience and made the night even more polished.

Welcome hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine served on arrival.

You can read my full review from last year here, and things haven’t really changed when it comes to the format of the class. I was still impressed by the professionalism displayed by the Chef and the team – everything was explained very thoroughly and very calmly – there was no Gordon Ramsay style yelling. Once the dish has been demonstrated and tips given, you are sent back to your station to make an individual-sized portion for yourself. If you are unsure of anything during the cooking process, the Chef and the team are always on hand to provide helpful tips or advice. This comes in handy as there are sometimes quite a few steps to remember.

The first dish that we made was black pepper fettuccini, served with crisp double-smoked bacon and a white wine arugula cream sauce.

I found this demonstration particularly helpful as I have made pasta at home by myself and whilst it turned out quite good, I felt that there was room for improvement. Tips provided such as using a mix of flours, not adding flour whilst rolling the pasta, and a demonstration of the correct kneading process, will really help me when I try to re-create this dish at home. My pasta turned out incredibly well and the sauce really couldn’t have been any simpler to make. All in all, this dish was much less complicated than it seems and, boy, was it tasty. Give me just a bowl of this and a glass of wine and I’ll be happy!The second dish of seared sablefish with lemon prawn risotto, blew away many of the perceptions I had associated with making risotto. Risotto would have to be one of my favourite dishes and I really don’t mind spending the 45 minutes to an hour stirring in stock and tending to it. I was told last night (shock horror) that I didn’t need to do this and that this actually made the rice more gluey by constantly stirring. The other tip that rocked my world was that you could make the risotto in advance by cooking it until it is about 80% done and then spreading it out on a cookie tray, wrapped and chilled, until you are ready to finish it off. Seriously, I did not know that this was possible. When done this way, the risotto only took about 15 minutes to finish. The sablefish, much like the Mediterranean bass I made in the French class, was so incredibly easy to cook (less than 10 minutes in total) that I feel like a bit of an idiot ordering fish at a restaurant now.The meal concluded with a warm Frangelico and roasted pear tart, served with soft mascarpone and Muscat sabayon. Before the class, this was the dish that I was the least excited about making but it is now my favourite dish of the evening. The whole process wasn’t overly complicated – really most of the work is waiting for the pears and the syrup to cook down, and then whisking the sabayon until it is light and fluffy. I’ve made cupcakes more complicated than that! I have never attempted sabayon before but I will definitely be re-creating this dish at home, particularly if I’m hosting a dinner party.

The appetizer and the main are served with your choice of red or white wine and the dessert is served with tea or coffee. If you are going to do a course at The Dirty Apron Cooking School, be prepared and go hungry. I was soooo full after eating all of this and, sure, I didn’t have to eat it all but it was all so incredibly delicious that I felt like I had to! When I sat down to eat such beautiful, delicious, dishes that I had created, I really felt a strong sense of achievement. The classes are $150 each and I have no hesitation in recommending them to you, or the foodies in your life.

Photo Visit – Nook – January 2013

With a strict “no reservations” policy and a small dining room, you have to be quite strategic when attempting to score a seat at Nook, particularly on a Saturday night. My sister and I wanted to go for dinner last night (a Saturday night) at our favourite place in the West End, but first we tallied up the odds: 1/ The Canucks first game of the NHL season was on, and 2/ Dine Out Vancouver was underway and Nook isn’t a participant. With this in mind, the odds seemed stacked in our favour and, as we had hoped, we walked straight in to a seat at the bar.

My sister and I have eaten at Nook a lot and we normally order our favourites but last night we decided to order both the pizza and pasta daily specials, just to mix things up a bit.

Spaghetti with Nduja and Guanciale – $18

Pancetta, rapini, and egg pizza – $18

Normally, I would have suggested ordering the delectable burrata and proscuitto plate to start, but that would be gluttonous with just the two of us so we stuck with these two dishes and could barely finish them. The spaghetti had a nice hint of spice, thanks to the nduja, which is a spicy Italian sausage (never heard of nduja before – you learn something new every day!). The pizza was also very good but I am finding that I’m finding less enjoyment with eating anything that has a runny egg yolk (personal preference). With $8 glasses of prosecco, friendly staff, and affordable, hearty servings of carbs, I continue to strongly recommend a visit to Nook.

Christmas Lunch at Cioppino’s

133 Hamilton Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 5P6

T: 604 688 7466
www.cioppinos.wordpress.com

Brief Description: Cioppino’s and its sister restaurant next door, Enoteca, serve up classic Mediterranean cuisine, with a sophisticated dining room as the backdrop. Prices reflect the high standard of food and service.

Every year, my team at work goes for a fancy lunch to celebrate Christmas and the end of another year, and this year was no exception. It has become quite the norm for us to splurge and this year we chose to return to Cioppino’s, as we had a memorable lunch there two years ago.

I believe that Cioppino’s is one of the best overall restaurants in the city. That might be because I’m a huge fan of Italian but I do think that the quality, in service and food, is exceptional at Cioppino’s. The decor itself is quite traditional, with terracotta tiling, warm wood features, and a more sophisticated feel. The clientèle also seemed to be more suits and grey hair, than young and hip, but I’d say that is mostly because of the price-range. Cioppino’s is not cheap, in fact with the cheapest main courses of pasta at $25 and meat dishes upwards of $35, I’d put it in the expensive, high-end basket, but it is lovely and worth it for a splurge.

Caprese Tradizionale

Classic Lobster Bisque

Saffron, citrus risotto with seared scallops

Milk Chocolate: Light mousse, Caramelia chantilly and ice-cream

Del Posto – New York

When I was planning our eating expeditions for New York, one of the restaurants that was continually recommended to me was Michelin-starred Del Posto, a Mario Batali restaurant. After our experience at Del Posto, I can see why people are so keen to recommend it.

Del Posto is a high-end Italian restaurant located in Chelsea, near the Chelsea Market. After making dinner reservations at Per Se and Eleven Madison Park, there wasn’t much room in our budget for a dinner splurge at Del Posto so I was grateful that they have the ridiculously affordable three course prix fixe lunch for $39 per person. Even at this price, we were treated like a King and Queen, and the service was flawless, whilst also being personable. We spent an extra $10 per person to add a pasta dish to our lunch (in my opinion, well worth it).

The interior of the restaurant is elegant and classically decorated. Warm colours, sweeping stairwells, and a live pianist, make it a sophisticated space worthy of spending a few luxurious hours.

When we arrived we were greeted with complimentary amuse bouche and three types of fresh bread. The bread (focaccia, baguette, and olive bread) was served with butter and…wait for it…whipped lardo.

I won’t go into specific details about each individual dish, because all I would be doing is showering you with superlatives, however it should be known that the Sardinian lamb, with its salty, slightly crispy crust, was absolutely one of the best lamb dishes I’ve ever eaten. And I’ve eaten a lot of baby sheep in my time.

Lobster Fra Diavolo with Garlic Bread Panna Cotta & Seaweeds

Beef Carpaccio with Sunchoke Puree, Sage Grissini & Sunflower

Veal Agnolotti, finished with Sweet Pea, Espresso & Grana Padano. This was spectacular.

Sardinian Lamb with a side of Roman Artichokes, Bruised Mint & Saffron Potatoes.

Butterscotch Semifreddo with Sour Cherries, Melon Agrumata, & Crumbled Sbrisolona. 

This was B’s dessert, I believe it was the Tartufo al Caffè, Dark Chocolate, Sant’Eustachio Coffee.

Complimentary petit fours, including ice cream lollipop, dark truffle, and donut balls filled with custard.

Our experience at Del Posto, was outstanding. If this how they treat you for a $40 lunch, I’m intrigued to know how they treat you for their dinner service. I would highly recommend a visit to Del Posto, even if it is just for the lunch. When I return to New York, I will certainly be making a return trip.

Pronto Caffe

3473 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 2W7

T: 604 722 9331
www.prontocaffe.ca

Brief Description: Pronto is a cute, casual café on Cambie Street that specializes in porchetta (Italian roast pork), and Italian-inspired panini, sandwiches, and entrées.

Pronto is one of those unpretentious cafés that offers tasty food and good value for money. Located at 18th and Cambie Street, it is truly a neighbourhood café and the relaxed vibe attests to this. During the warmer weather opt for the secluded, sunny outdoor patio in the back, or one of the alfresco tables that overlooks Cambie Street. If the weather has turned, no worries, the art deco-style interior is welcoming and there are booths to snuggle up in, or limited bar seating to watch the action.

The food is simple in its approach and the menu includes Italian-inspired panini, sandwiches, porchetta plates, pasta, and daily entrée specials, such as chicken scallopini. The sandwich selections include saucy house-made meatballs with pomodoro sauce, chicken cutlet with spicy mayo and cheese, and roasted Mediterranean vegetable. Considering how generous they are with their fillings, the prices are more than fair at $7 to $8.50.

Meatball and Provolone Sandwich

Sopressata Sandwich

Porchetta Sandwich

I’ve had a number of the sandwiches, and have liked them all. Of course, the porchetta sandwich stands out, but so does the meatball sandwich and the sopressata sandwich. If sandwiches aren’t your thing, then choose from the pasta menu or the changing daily specials.

The last time I was there for dinner, my sister and I shared the linguine pesto, topped with crispy pancetta, and the tagliatelle arabiatta with prawns. The pasta portion sizes were very generous so the prices were a steal, at $12 and $15 respectively. The linguine pesto was a little bland (aren’t all pesto pastas?) but the arabiatta was a satisfying taste of home-style cooked pasta.

Prawn Tagliatelle Arabiatta

Linguine Pesto

Pronto also does a brunch service on the weekends where they partner breakfast specials, such as breakfast pizza and eggs benedicts, with a limited sandwich menu. Pasta and entrée dishes aren’t available during brunch.

Breakfast Pizza with potatoes, pancetta, and egg.

I’ve visited Pronto a number of times now and I must say that, in my experience, the service is spotty. I was there for a dinner a few weeks ago and there was venting issue in the kitchen that was creating an odd smell, which caused some folks to leave. On other occasions, I’ve had to chase up drink orders and forgotten items. I’ve had slow and inconsistent service, but I’ve always had friendly service.

As odd as this sounds, these issues seem to add to the charm of this place. I’m ok with the inconsistencies because my expectations are that this is a casual, relaxed café and not a high-end, fine-dining establishment. With that said, if they could refine their service, they’d have a really great thing going on rather than just a good thing.

Final Thoughts: I do like Pronto and I will continue to go back when I’m looking for a relaxing lunch spot or a cheap and cheerful place for a hearty pasta and a glass of red wine.

Photo Visit – Pronto Caffe – July 2012

3473 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 2W7

T: 604 722 9331
www.prontocaffe.ca

At the beginning of the month, I visited Pronto for the first time. Whilst the service wasn’t super speedy, it didn’t stop me from going back again last week. The food was just too tempting to stay away from and it is pleasantly affordable, which is always a great find for someone who spends far too much on food. The sandwich prices, for example, range from $7 to $8.50 and I think that is a bargain for a casual lunch.

I ordered the meatball sandwich, which was jam-packed with house-made meatballs, provolone cheese, and a deliciously rich pomodoro sauce. It was extremely messy to eat but the flavours were worth making a pig of myself over. The porchetta sandwich was an obvious choice for B, who just couldn’t resist the porky goodness. Again, this was jam-packed (as you can see from the photo) and one thing that I will say about Pronto is that they are extremely generous with their sandwich fillings.

Meatball Sandwich – $8.50

Porchetta Sandwich - $8

It was a bit cooler the day we returned so we didn’t opt for the sunny outdoor patio, but instead sat in the cute, cozy dining room. As you can see from the above photo of the interior, it is very stylized (almost retro) but effortlessly so.

As I mentioned in my first post about Pronto, the menu consists mostly of porchetta (Italian roast pork), as well as other Italian-inspired panini, sandwiches, pastas, and limited sides. I’ve yet to return on a weeknight so I’m looking forward to tucking into some pasta on my next visit (even though the sandwiches are great).

Photo Visit – CinCin – July 2012

1154 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC
V6E 1B2

T: 604 688 7338
www.cincin.net

Located on busy Robson street, CinCin falls under the Top Table Group umbrella, which is also responsible for some of my favourite local eating establishments (Araxi, West, Thierry, and Blue Water Cafe). I have been to CinCin a handful of times but I always seem to forget that it is there, hidden away up a flight of terracotta stairs.

The restaurant recently appointed Andrew Richardson as Executive Chef so I thought I’d head back to see how things have changed under his direction. Their sunny patio was also another reason why I wanted to go back - it is absolutely perfect for this sunny spell we have been having. The lunch menu is focused on pizza, pasta, and a number of main protein dishes (such as chicken, halibut, salmon). Prices are quite high for lunch (mains are mostly above $20) so it would be a good choice for a special occasion or a business lunch, but might be a bit pricey for a regular weekday lunch (well, it is for me).

Gnocchi di ricotta - 15.50

Linguine al granchio (Dungeness crab & chili) – $18.50

Main course of risotto verde - $23.50

Legno di tonno bianco alla griglia – $22.50

Pollo al limone con peperoncino – $22

Chocolate purses (milk chocolate and carmelized apple filled filo pastry, with hazelnut sorbetto) - $12.50

My favourite dish was the gnocchi, the texture of the soft pillow-like gnocchi was balanced with a slight crunch from the bread crumbs and delightfully coated in the creamy sauce. I’d order that again for sure. With their crispy filo and melting chocolate, the chocolate purses were a nice way to end the meal. I will definitely need to return in the evening to sample the dinner menu.

First Glance – Vicino Pastaria & Deli – June 2012

68 East Cordova Street
Vancouver, BC
V6A 1K2

T: 604 336 0042
www.vicino.ca

Another week, another Gastown opening! Vicino Pastaria and Deli is the newest addition to the Gastown food scene. Vicino is another offering from Nicli Antica Pizzeria‘s owner, Bill McCaig, and the stylish spot is nestled directly next-door to Nicli. It is a small spot, with about 16 seats, and the menu offers a select few pastas (at the time of writing it was four options) as well as deli options, such as salads, coffees, and desserts. There are also some produce items, such as butter, balsamic vinegars, olive oils, and salts, available for purchase.

B and I went to see the new kid in town on Saturday and had an enjoyable pasta lunch, although the agnolotti was a little too al dente. Prices were fairly reasonable, particularly for the portion sizes, and because we also received a side of warm bread roll and olive oil. I am interested to see how Vicino will be received, considering the success that Nicli has had.

Lamb Agnolotti – $12

Tagliatelle with porcini, peas and pecorino – $15

Campagnolo – Photo Visit – June 2012

1020 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
V6A 2W1

T: 604 484 6018
www.campagnolorestaurant.ca

Brief Description: A casual, rustic restaurant that focuses on affordable seasonal cuisine from the Piedmont and Emigila-Romagna regions of Italy.

Over the weekend I realized that it had been quite some time since my last visit to Campagnolo on Main Street. Too long, in fact. So when B and I were looking for a brunch/lunch option on Saturday, I suggested Campagnolo. We used to visit more regularly a few years ago when B lived on Main so we are quite familiar with their menu and I was pleased to find that some of our favourite dishes remain on the menu after all of this time.

You might already know that I have a real soft spot for carbonara so I couldn’t resist the carbonara pizza ($14), which was finished with a whole egg and sporadic shavings of lemon zest. With so much good pizza in the city at the moment, this breakfast pizza did hold its own. Delicious!

We couldn’t turn out back on our old favourite, the pork ragu tagliatelle ($18). We were happy to find this dish still tastes as it did before but we did miss the individual portions of salt flakes and black pepper that we used to get alongside it to season the dish to your liking.

Final Thoughts: The food was just how I remembered it, although I was more taken with the pizza than the pasta this time around. Service was a little off but I’m putting that down to the rainy, grey Saturday. I’d like to return in the evening for dinner to get a better read on how smooth things run when busier.