Renfrew-Collingwood Community News

News stories from the Renfrew-Collingwood community in East Vancouver

Tag Archives: La Piazza Dario


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Eating Out in RC: Romantic eats with your Valentine

BY PAUL REID

Greetings food fans. It’s February again, so you know what that means. You guys better set aside a few pennies for the chocolate and the flowers. Yes! Valentine’s Day is here again. February 14 falls on a Tuesday this year.

Now if you really love each other, you’re going to want to save each other from the unromantic hassles that come with eating in: the shopping, the work, the dishes, the mess. No folks, on Valentine’s Day you want to eat out. And there’s no better community to get your food-on than in Renfrew-Collingwood.

Here are some of my top recommendations.

Mezbaan's Valentine BuffetFirstly, Mezbaan. Why? Because they were smart enough to advertise with the RCC News. Secondly, because my man, Chef TJ, does have a nice, cozy romantic place whether Valentine’s or not. And, Mezbaan has been called by at least one handsome local food critic – The best buffet in town! I agree.

If there’s a line-up outside Mezbaan (and there should be), you might want to scoot down Kingsway to our trusted, tried and truly spicy Chili Pepper House. I am in love with the Chili Chicken and just about everything else on the menu. Not quite as romantic perhaps as Mezbaan, but the food here will also put you in your lover’s good books. Careful with that spice, Eugene.

Now, if your partner or spouse or friend has been especially good lately and you want to splurge a little, one of the slightly more costly but superbly romantic restaurants that I can think of is La Piazza Dario at the Italian Cultural Centre. And who is more romantic than the Italians, eh! Yes, I can still remember my last visit there for lunch. Classic Italian food and some wine in a really beautiful dining room. You Romeos will be set.

La Piazza Dario - Romantic Valentine Eats

Where more. Well it doesn’t have to be fancy. Wally’s Burgers would be a good choice for some. Or Off the Grid Waffles – very sexy. Or how about the Japanese Bistro Kamome, with their Japaninis? Mmmm.

Well, we have so many fabulous places here in Renfrew-Collingwood. It doesn’t really matter where you go, but this Valentine’s Day, give yourselves a romantic little break and go somewhere local and delicious.

Bon appetit.

Copyright (c) 2017 Renfrew-Collingwood Community News


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Eating Out in RC: La Piazza Dario

BY PAUL REID

3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5M 3E4
604-430-2195
lapiazzadario@gmail.com

Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Monday – Friday
Dinner: 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm Monday – Sunday
Free parking

Linguine ai Gamberoni

Linguine ai Gamberoni

Greetings food fans. We travel this time to the heart of RC’s Little Italy—the Italian Cultural Centre—to what is surely the finest Italian restaurant in this community, if not the city, La Piazza Dario Ristorante Italiano.

We’ve talked in the past about how one can travel the culinary world right here in RC, our cosmopolitan community. What’s awesome about La Piazza Dario is that the second you enter the beautifully landscaped courtyard, you are transported back to the old country.

Passing through the gated archway entrance, you realize there is a patio area built into the restaurant. Protected from the elements, yet open to the fresh air, it’s the perfect little oasis. The rest of the dining room is tastefully decorated with the most beautiful paintings, statues, vases, plants and flowers. It is amidst this beauty that La Piazza Dario invites us to slow down, relax, smell the flowers, and get ready to “experience that particular Italian gift of making an art out of life.”

For over three decades, under the knowledgeable eye of head chef Claudio Ranallo, La Piazza Dario has been producing Italian cuisine of the highest standards. Starting with traditional Italian recipes, Chef Ranallo has created a menu that is authentic yet innovative.

“Exceptional cuisine is life-enhancing magic that should be enjoyed around a table with family and friends.” That is precisely what my accomplice and I accomplished there for lunch on this occasion.

For an appetizer, we chose the Prosciutto di Parma (thinly sliced and served with olives, $13). So good! In addition, I tried the Linguine ai Gamberoni (prawns sautéed in a white wine and garlic sauce, $17). The linguine was perfectly cooked. My accomplice went with the Pollo al Gorgonzola (free-range chicken breast in a delicate gorgonzola sauce, $17).

Everything was amazingly delicious, including the complimentary bread that came with a blend of finely chopped olives and olive oil. Service too was excellent.

Also on the lunch and dinner menus are tempting delights from amazing antipasti to scrumptious pastas to satisfying main courses to luscious desserts, including but not limited to antipasto, calamari fritti, prosciutto di parma, stracciatella, linguine di mare, spaghetti alle vongole veraci, gluten-free quinoa pasta, penne ciociara, salmone alla livornese, tagliata di manzo, vitello al limone, tiramisu, zabalione and crème caramel.

Dining room at La Piazza Dario

The dining room at La Piazza Dario is a key ingredient in making an art out of life.

So I can tell you, we felt the Italian magic! And we were just there for lunch. Guys take note, during the dinner hour, the candle light comes out and the romantic-meter, well … off the charts. And for larger groups, La Piazza Dario can help you celebrate your birthday party, anniversary dinner or wedding reception with a variety of group menus to satisfy all your guests.

So my friends, for a slice of heaven the Italian way, it’s La Piazza Dario. Bon appetite.

Copyright (c) 2015 Renfrew-Collingwood Community News


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July 2015 issue of RCC News is here

This issue of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News is full of the many wonderful people, events and programs happening in our neighbourhood!

July 2015 RCC NewsGet your latest issue of the RCC News at your local coffee shop, grocery store, library and community centre.

Or click on the cover image to view the new issue.

In this issue:

  • Have a berry berry good summer
  • Green Thumb wins awards and more awards
  • Insights from a stay-at-home dad
  • People with disabilities are normal
  • Paula Carr wins award
  • Eating Out: La Piazza Dario

Do you have a local story to tell or an event to share? We’d love to hear about it! Email rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca.

The deadline for the August 2015 issue is July 10. You are welcome to submit a story from 300 to 400 words, with high resolution photos in a jpg at least 1 MB file size.