Sparsely decorated, yet inviting and warm, walking into Signorvinomtl on a Friday evening is like entering a movie scene of an Italian restaurant somewhere in New York city.
In the background you'll hear fresh new sounds of Italian pop singers, dim lighting casting on dark wooden tables and long marble bar, the restaurant is bustling, the staff and customers are lively, exchanging wisecracks in Italian, and quickly raising the room noise level with sudden bursts of infectious laughter which can be trying on the ears for some but I loved it!
Want a glass of white, a glass of red, or perhaps a bottle of either? You'll surely be pleased by on of the 70+ different privately imported bottles that will fit your budget. How about some appetizers, meatballs or a moundful of pasta? The one page menu tacked to a wooden clipboard is filled with everything you would expect from an classic and authentic Italian restaurant:
Polpette, Risotto, Pasta of the day, Osso Bucco, gorgeous Steaks, and other Mediterranean delights.
That evening, I ordered some gnocchi. There are different types of gnocchi in Italian, as many as there are regions, each with different texture and chewiness. These little pillowy clouds however seem to be a blend of the best - made with just the right amount of ricotta, potatoes and very little flour. The secret, I've been told, is to not work the dough too much otherwise the extra gluten will make it too chewy.
They gnocchi are tossed into a robust and balanced Neapolitan sauce that is made with just the right amount of plum tomatoes to give it sweetness, just the right amount of San Marzano tomatoes to give it a little touch of acidity and fresh basil to contrast this beauty. Right before serving, the chef adds an aromatic olive oil to brighten up everything.
Let me tell you, the portions were impressive and generous, the gnocchi were soft, fluffy, delicate with a silky smooth texture that simply melt in your mouth!
Followed was a rich and creamy Panna Cotta, known as 'cooked cream' in Italian, with divine grapes that were macerated and then reduced in wine reduction.
And finally to tie it all up, a perfectly executed espresso by owner Marco Romanelli, who's family has been in the food business forever and is best known for Parma Cafe and Vinitor a wine import business (hence the "Wine Guy" name of this place), and who's obsession for quality products and love of wine is shared with his partner with Roberto Cardillo.
As summer is in sight, I was told by Chef Candida, affectionately called Candy Crush by regulars, that the menu will be changing next week and include new combos with 2-3 different types of aperitivo and a glass of wine for a reasonable price. They'll also be offering cooking classes for those who want to learn.
I invite you to join me to discover and taste different wines, enjoy and share perfectly executed dishes, and meet Marco and his the team, who will treat you, and every guests, new and old, as a member of their family with love, warmth and generosity. read more