It's the second year that we've been swept away by the vibrant sights, sounds,
and, most importantly, the incredible tastes of Italian Day on The Drive. Our
five-kilometre trek from our apartment to Commercial Drive was a beautiful
adventure under the bright Vancouver sun. Armed with hats, sunscreen, water,
and empty stomachs, we were ready to dive into the heart of the festival.
Apollini from Antise
The first stop was a classic Italian treat – the Apollini from Antise. This
crispy pastry shattered with a delightful snap, revealing a creamy vanilla
filling. A dusting of powdered sugar added a touch of playful indulgence,
though it did leave a light dusting on my shirt (thankfully white!).
|
|
Apollini from Antise
|
|
|
Apollini from Antise
|
Sausage and Peperonata on a Bun from Il Centro
Next up was a sausage and peperonata on a bun from Il Centro. I was impressed
by the sausage. Unlike some sausages that can be dry and tough, this one was
incredibly tender and flavorful, bursting with savoury goodness in every bite.
The perfect pairing was the tangy peperonata, a medley of peppers cooked down
to a sweet and slightly spicy relish.
|
|
Sausage and Peperonata on a Bun from Il Centro
|
|
|
Sausage and Peperonata on a bun from Il Centro
|
Sausage Skewer and Grilled Corn from Triple A Market
Triple A Market's sausage skewer and grilled corn were revelations. The skewer
featured a delightful combination of colourful grilled peppers and zucchini
punctuated by juicy pineapple slices that perfectly balanced the savoury
sausages. The char from the grill added a smoky depth that made each bite even
more delicious. And, of course, perfectly grilled corn, its sweetness a
welcome contrast to the other flavours.
|
|
Grilled Italian Sausage and Skewers from Triple A
Market
|
|
|
Skewer from Triple A Market
|
|
|
Grilled Corn from Triple A Market
|
Shroom Pizza from Local Pizzaiolo
My husband took the lead on ordering the Shroom Pizza from Local Pizzaiolo.
This vegetarian masterpiece boasted a creamy porcini base, gooey mozzarella,
and a generous medley of roasted mushrooms. Finished with shavings of
Parmigiano Reggiano and a fragrant drizzle of truffle oil, each bite was an
explosion of savoury and earthy flavours.
|
|
Shroom Pizza from Local Pizzailo
|
Arancini from Local Pizzailo
We also shared an Arancini (a fried rice ball filled with cheese and tomato
sauce), but while it was good,
Mr. Arancino
still holds the crown for our favourite.
|
|
Arancini from Local Pizzaiolo
|
|
|
Arancini filled with cheese and tomato sauce from Local
Pizzailo
|
Truffle Fries from Local Pizzaiolo
The final act of our culinary adventure was the Truffle Fries from Local
Pizzaiolo. Crispy golden fries were generously coated in a rich truffle aioli,
their intoxicating aroma filling the air. A sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano
and fresh Italian parsley added pops of salty and verdant notes, making this a
truly decadent side dish.
|
|
Truffle Fries from Local Pizzailo
|
Salted Macadamia Honey and Hazelnut Gelato from Il Mondo Caffe & Gelato
To cool off after our flavorful feast, we couldn't resist indulging in gelato
from Il Mondo Caffe & Gelato. My salted macadamia honey was a symphony of
textures – the smooth, creamy gelato studded with crunchy macadamia nuts. The
honey swirled throughout added a touch of sweetness that perfectly
complemented the nutty richness. My husband opted for the hazelnut gelato, but
let's just say there's a reason I declared the macadamia the champion!
|
|
Salted Macadamia Honey Gelato from Il Mondo Caffe &
Gelato
|
|
|
Hazelnut Gelato from Il Mondo Caffe & Gelato
|
Our journey through Italian Day on The Drive was a true celebration of all
things delicious. Every bite was an explosion of flavour and texture, from the
light and airy Apollini to the decadent truffle fries. While Mr. Arancino may
still hold the Arancini crown, we discovered a treasure trove of new
favourites. And with a scoop of creamy gelato, the day ended on a perfectly
cool and refreshing note. I can't wait to see what culinary delights Italian
Day brings next year!
