Food that tastefully matches its name
by Nancy
Snipper
Paolo Bizzotto Geremia and his wife,
Maria have owned this restaurant since 1990. His daughter, Paola and son
Geronimo are also on in the act. In fact, Geronimo joins master chef Anselmo
Secci in creating authentic Italian cuisine.
The Italian menu – just like the
ambiance – is a delight and easy to read – not overloaded. Pasta dishes are
varied: from vegetarian – dig the pumpkin and white wine in it – to one that
has smoked salmon with cream, vodka and tomato sauce. All can be prefaced
with mouthwatering entrees of grilled mushrooms, eggplant with Parmesan cheese,
melon with Prosciutto; four salads and of course – those main dishes of Angus
beef, grilled shrimp, squid, fish and veal with white wine – these are Bella
Italia’s standouts. But Paolo insisted I order the risotto – voted one of the
best in town and beyond.
As I munched my Capiccio salad –
similar to a Waldorf one with pecans, apples, Manchego cheese, celery and
olives, I noted the light appealing taste of the balsamic and apple vinegar
dressing. I also had a white wine Spritzer with Apenol. Lovely and
elegant, just like the lemonade that was completely light in flavor.
The risotto did not disappoint. I
have never tasted such tender shrimp, and the Italian rice with saffron and
parsley seasoning was marvelous.
The tiramisu was light too.
I feasted inside this central
hotspot with its choice location right at the Jardin. From Bella Italia’s
outside street-level terrace or inside the place, you can take in all the
outdoor Mexican festivities. However, the delicious dishes remind you that
Italy can be just as captivating.
My
return visit March 2016
I went back again this year, and had
a wonderful veal flank that was tenderer than I knew veal could be. More than
seven thin slices were served. A simple lemon sauce with parsley gave it just
the flavour perk it needed. I also had some spaghetti tinged with garlic. The
veal also has a choice of Marsala or in a white wine sauce. Chef Enselmo,
who hails from Sicily, has been 26 years with Bella Italia, and he truly is the
restaurant's treasure.
For dessert, I ordered the apple
strudel brimming with nice big raisins and nuts. A scoop of Italian
vanilla ice cream sent me home as happy as a bella could be.
Warning: the margaritas are huge,
and potent!
Bella
Italia is located at Portal Guadalupe No. 12, Centro.
Call:
(415) 154-6758
Updated Mar 13 2016 / Mise à jour le 13 mars 2016
Updated Mar 13 2016 / Mise à jour le 13 mars 2016
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