Recently when it has been my turn to pick a place to eat out on a special occasion, Italian seems to always be my first choice. I’m not sure why this is. When it comes to fine dining in Vancouver there really is an enormous amount of choice. I think that perhaps more than most people, I have a tendency to go back to the places that have left an impression over and over again . I like the familiar aspect of dining in a place where you know the standard of cuisine you will receive is going to be consistent with your previous experiences. There are a few Italian restaurants in Vancouver that fit this bill and Cioppino’s is right at the top.
This place is consistent across all aspects of the dinning experience. From the service, to the food to the over all experience this place always delivers. From being awarded Gold Winner in the 2007 BC Gold Medal Plates to being voted chef of the year in 2008, owner Pino Posteraro has many accomplishments under his belt. Once you tatse his food you’ll know why.
One of my favorite aspects of Italian cuisine is the antipasti course, and let me tell you Ciopinno’s brings this to the next level.
Zucchini Blossoms with Buffalo Mozzarella. I really liked that this dish used buffalo mozzarella. I find that most places serve zucchini blossoms with a ricotta cheese mixture, but here with the mozzarella and buffalo no less this dish was truly memorable.
Spanish Serrano Ham with sweet peppers “Piperade” and Arbequina olive.
Caprese of Roma tomatoes & Italian Buffalo Mozzarella. If you like buffalo mozzarella as much as i do, this is the place to order it. And while this standard does not come cheap, it is worth every penny.
Following this I had the Porcini and chestnut soup with vanilla chantilly. This soup had great earthy mushroom flavor and while I’ve never been extremely attracted to foams, this time around it was a welcome surprise.
The piece de resistance was the Veal ossobuco alla Milanese with saffron risotto. If you like bone marrow, this has to be the most generous portion I have ever received and was truly what brought this amazing dish to the next level. Just one warning you will be crawling home afterwards.
We were so stuffed after this meal that not a single one of us could order dessert. Seriously I was lucky to be able to walk out of that place afterward and I think that maybe next time I will stick to 2 courses rather than 3.
Ciopino’s Mediterranean Grill and Enoteca
1133 & 1129 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC.
Tel: 604-688-7466
