I said a couple of reviews ago that I had the best Italian meal that I have ever had. Well I found…read moresomeone to knock that one off its throne. When I came into Chatham Ontario, Canada, and checking into hotel, the lady at the front desk said you have to go to this restaurant. I hear that at a lot of hotels, but I figured I would check it out.
For starters, this place is located downtown in a very quaint little district, there seems to be plenty of street parking. Although I can imagine on Friday and Saturday nights it can get a little hectic. Regardless, I found a spot walked across the street to the restaurant
The place itself is really quaint and inviting. They made it up to look like a small Italian village. It's really really cool. This place is also kind of elegant, they have black tablecloths and silverware rolled up in cloth napkins and it is just an overall upscale dining event, although you definitely do not have to dress up to go here.
My waitress, Claire, greeted me and asked if I wanted anything. I ordered a loss of water to start and just wanted to check out the menu. She came back a few moments later and I decided to order the calamari appetizer, the chicken parmesan which came with a salad... I opted for Caesar, and a glass of their house! Pinot noir.
One thing I like about Italian restaurants is the pacing of the meal. This is not a walk-in, turn them and burn them. Type of establishment. This is a hour and a half to 2-hour culinary adventure. Claire has this down to a science.
The appetizer came, and was cooked perfectly. I love fresh calamari. A nice touch was the dusted jalapenos and pineapple that came with. Instead of a shrimp style sauce, they opt for a slightly spicy sweet dipping sauce.
Next came the bread. Claire also brought over the obligatory olive oil and balsamic vinegar, plus a spicy oil. She recommended that I mix all three and even brought over some shaved Parmesan to put on top of that before I dip the bread into it. Absolute heaven on a plate!
Then came the salad, the Caesar was absolutely perfect. I love it when a salad is dressed properly, and not just a wad of dressing lumped on top. This was such a good salad and of course I had to have extra pepper and parmesan.
After a short break, the main course arrived, and it was huge. Seen a bigger chicken parmesan in the history of my eating Italian food. And it was cooked so perfect! The spaghetti underneath was perfectly cooked, and the marinara sauce was totally on point. Mozzarella on the chicken parm and then covered it in the red sauce to give it that slightly melted texture.
Did I finish it? No, I did not. But I am having the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. The reason being I wanted to save room for the tiramisu.
I ordered the tiramisu, and had a double espresso. What a perfect combination! The tiramisu was absolutely wonderful, not too sweet and the bitterness of the coffee worked perfectly with it.
I have to brag on Claire a little bit, as she was one of the most perfect wait staff people I have ever met. She was attentive without being hovering, she paced the meal perfectly, made great suggestions.
I could not eat another bite as I was so full. And completely satisfied. This was literally one of the most perfect meals I have ever had.
Bottom line? It was expensive. And I am more than willing to pay for quality food and service. And this place hit on all cylinders. If you are looking for a great night out, you would do no better than to check out this place.
