Summer isn't quite over. Bring on the cold treats!

We're willing to bet that you've had the pleasure of feasting on a scoop (or two or three) of gelato. That delicious, sweet, dense frozen treat that is rich with flavour and melts in your mouth. How about granita? 

Granita and gelato are both Italian frozen desserts that are perfect for the hot Italian summers and satisfying the sweet tooth. So what's the difference between them?

Granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavourings like fresh fruits and/or fruit juices. It's an icy treat with a courser texture in comparison to gelato. It originally comes from Sicily but it can be found throughout Italy.

Gelato is more like ice cream. It is made of milk, cream and sugar. Like granita, it is also flavoured with fruit but also with nut purees and other flavourings. It is creamier in comparison to granita but is not quite the same texture as ice cream. Why? Gelato has less air making it denser than ice cream. It also contains less fat and more flavouring.

Either way, granita and gelato are delicious all year round!

(Image via Pixabay)

If you find yourself on the Italian coast, you'll probably find fantastic limoni!

Limone, as you've probably guessed, is the Italian word for lemon and our word of the week! The plural form is limoni. 

These lemons, also called citrons, are truly fantastic and not your typical small, round and even lemons we can find here in our local groceries. These limoni are bigger than oranges and they grow in abundance in stunning terraced groves, adding bright pops of yellow to a bright and colourful Italian environment. They feature in Italian cuisine in delicious and sometimes surprising ways!

These lemons are famous for their delicate flavour, sweetness and low acidity. These lemons are more than just a garnish. Here are some delicious ways Italians enjoy limoni!

• Limoncello
• La Granita di Amalfi 
• Candied Citrons
• Insalata di Cedro (Citron Rind Salad)

Yum!

(Image: Lemons in Sorrento, by Brad Coy, via Flickr; CC BY 2.0; also in Wikimedia Commons)

Hai voglia di fare una passeggiata? Do you feel like going for a stroll?

Perhaps in Italy, everything evolves into an art. Even taking an early evening stroll has earned a romantic, Italian name: passeggiata. It's a magical time where folk come out to stroll, sit and people watch, enjoy conversation with neighbours, friends and family. It's a ritual that Italians of all ages take joy in. 

As the sun goes down, the people come out. It's most certainly not bedtime when the light is dim in the sky. Whether you are in Rome or a small seaside village on the Amalfi coast, life continues simply and fabulously with the tradition of the passeggiata.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Una passeggiata is also an expression for ‘piece of cake.’ 

Stroll down to La Piazza Dario to complete an evening Italian tradition (we are very close to the skytrain) with a tasty meal created by Chef Claudio!

We'll have a table ready for you and your loved ones...

(Image via Pixabay)

Discover the art of wine-making in today's feature video!

Making wine is no trivial process. In Italy, wine is a natural part of a sacred Italian tradition: il pasto, the meal. Feasting and food are just simply, a way of life in Italy. Tasty, rich and decadent Italian flavours need a partner to make the experience absolute perfection.

Making wine is an art. Tasting wine is a delight. Feasting with the perfect wine to match your meal is pure luxury. It is a luxury that anyone can enjoy. Come join us for dinner tonight and we'll create the perfect Italian feast for you! Our extensive wine list awaits for you to peruse and find the glass that will bring out the flavours of your meal.

Today's feature video is all about the art of making wine! Sit back and relax while we start planning the perfect meal for your Friday evening!



(Image via Pixabay)

Let's chat about risotto!

Risotto is a tasty Italian rice dish. Yes, that's right: rice. Although Italians do love a good pasta, sometimes, a little change is a good thing! 

Risotto is a North Italian dish that is cooked in a broth until the rice reaches a creamy consistency. Just like pasta, your culinary imagination is the limit when it comes to the savoury flavours that the rice can hold. It can be cooked in a meat, vegetable or fish broth. Adding to the richness of the dish, you'll also find butter, wine and/or onions added to the base of the flavours. 

Of course, most chefs don't stop with adding flavour to the base, including Chef Claudio. On the menu at La Piazza Dario you will find our special risotto ai funghi misti. It is a delicious dish of pearl rice sautéed with wild mushrooms, garlic and fine herbs, finished with fresh parmesan cheese. 

Join us for dinner and have a taste of an Italian classic! 

(Image via Wikipedia, Public Domain)

Today's word of the week is farfalle!

As you can probably guess, farfalle is a type of noodle.

Bring a taste of La Piazza Dario home with Chef Claudio's homemade goodies!

Spring is finally here! The sun is shining and air is breezy. We highly recommend joining us on our patio for fresh, authentic Italian cuisine, lovingly made by our own, Chef Claudio. However, we understand how nice it is to enjoy the sunshine in our own backyards and decks. That's why we are happy to share a few of Chef Claudio's tasty sauces and dips with you!

We're selling our house tapenade and authentic tomato sauce so you can bring the flavours of our kitchen home to yours.

Come on by to pick up your sauce and bread dip!

See you soon!

Our neighbours across the piazza are teaching something delicious!

There are times we all just want to sit and enjoy a home cooked meal without the work of whipping it up. That's when you come and visit us at La Piazza Dario! We'll make the home cooked culinary magic happen and you won't have to life a finger (except for when you want to enjoy the authentic flavours of Italy!).

Then there are times we want to get our hands dirty and really create those scrumptious bites from scratch! If you are in the mood for tasty and fresh Italian sausages, Il Centro is hosting a sausage making class!

Community garden supervisor and sausage maker extraordinaire, Luigu Bastone, is sharing his expertise on March 14, from 7 to 8:30pm. You will get to learn and make sausages that you can take home with you!

Come celebrate your new skills with us and an excellent glass of wine! Perhaps you'll be hungry as well. We'll take care of you and your taste buds!

Learn more about the workshop.

(Image via Pixabay)

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at La Piazza Dario!



Need an idea to make the day extra special for your sweetheart? Look no further! Join us for an even of romance, delectable Italian fare and wonderful memories filled with love.

Treat your date to a delicious three course meal with fresh antipasto, perfectly rich pastas and carnes, followed by a sweet dessert. Choose from our wide selection of vino to complement your meal.

Elite Singles has kindly included us in a list of places to celebrate love this weekend and we guarantee we will transform you evening into a beautiful experience for you and your loved one. We hope to see you and your sweetheart!

Contact us today to make your reservation by giving us a call at 604-430-2195, or make an online reservation with Open Table!

(Image via Pexels)

Come celebrate the weekend with our Head Chef's specialty: spaghetti alla "Claudio"!

As one of the finest Italian restaurants in Vancouver, we are extremely proud of our wide selection of authentic pasta dishes. Consisting of pasta that has been handmade with care by our Head Chef, Claudio Ranallo, and combined with fresh, traditional Italian ingredients, our pasta dishes will have you feeling like you've been whisked away to Italy for the evening.



Among one of our absolute favourite pasta dishes here at La Piazza Dario is the spaghetti alla "Claudio". This dish is, of course, named after our Head Chef, as no one can make an authentic, mouthwatering plate of spaghetti quite like Chef Claudio. Spaghetti alla "Claudio" is made with fresh, handmade spaghetti pasta and sundried tomatoes sautéed in garlic, complete with fresh herbs. A classic meal with a delicious twist. You will not regret ordering this item off of the menu!

Peruse the rest of our dinner menu and call us at 604-430-2195 to make your reservation today. We look forward to welcoming you to our table!

For 38 years, we have lovingly cooked and created truly authentic and delicious Italian meals. 

What we love most is how we are able to share the Italian dolce vita with the people of this city. Although it's no longer Thanksgiving, we never tire of thanking our fantastic patrons. 

Recently we received a letter from a long time customer, more like a friend after all these years of sharing meals together. We are so blessed to have built relationships like this with you.

Thank you Sam! 

Join us for dinner and a lifelong, delicious memories! Give us a call at 604.430.2195 :) 

Coming to our neighbour, Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre, the work of Italian mosaic artist, Lilian Broca!

Heroine of A Thousand Pieces: The Judith Mosaics of Lilian Broca

The recipient of the Lorenzo il Magnifico gold medal at the 2003 Florence Biennale, Lilian Broca will be unveiling her new mosaic series here at the Museo. There will be seven monumental pieces on display featuring the story of Judith, a biblical heroine.

The opening reception takes place on November 12th an 7pm. Come join us for dinner and experience an evening of Italian flavours and art!

Chef Claudio will whip up a tasty and authentic Italian meal for you to enjoy with your friends and family. Discuss beautiful art and the art of living beautifully over a delicious glass of wine!

See you here!

(Image via Lilian Broca home page)

Exceptional cuisine is a life-enhancing magic

Wondering where to eat tonight? Join us of course! We are, after all, one of the best kept secrets of fine Italian cuisine in Vancouver. Creating magical and delicious dishes with only the freshest ingredients, our goal is let you enjoy only the most authentic of Italian flavours. Pair your meal with a vintage Italian wine and you are ready to be gastronomically transported to the wonders of Italy!

Take a bite of Chef Claudio's creation and close your eyes. The food will melt your mouth and invite you share a piece of the Italian la dolce vita!

Press play to learn more and take a mini tour of La Piazza Dario!

For reservations, call 604.430.2195

See you soon!

(Image via Foodies Feed)

There is no better time to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee than in the fall sunshine. There's a crispness in the air and a crackle as people begin to light their fireplaces, ready for a cozy autumn season. Why do we love fall? We love it because get to cozy up to tasty, flavourful meals and sweet desserts and authentic Italian coffees with you!

From specialty coffees with Sambuca and Amaretto to a classic espresso,  our menu has something for every coffee lover.

Take a look at our specialty coffee menu if you're in the mood with something that has an extra kick! Of course, we're also happy to make you the best espresso or latte you've ever had. Come in and try it! ;)

Sweet and rich, Chef Claudio's tiramisù is the perfect way to finish your meal!

There's no better way to end your meal at La Piazza Dario than with a delicious and sweet pick me up! Coffee lovers, you're going to want to try this classic: tiramisu!

Sweet, spongy, and rich coffee flavours are what await you here. Espresso, lady fingers and mascarpone combine to become a delectable dish of authentic Italian flavour, made with love in Chef Claudio's kitchen.

Don't miss out on this tasty treat! Call us today at 604.430.2195 to make your reservations and enjoy authentic, Italian home cooking. Let our kitchen be your kitchen away from home!

See you soon!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So what about a video?!

Although we are enjoying a fantastic sunny summer here, an Italian vacation is always a good idea! However, it's not always possible. Work and other restrictions sometimes have to keep us at home for a "staycation." That said, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy the Italian views or some delicious Italian food!

La Piazza Dario is a little piece of Italy that is just around the corner. Join us for lunch or dinner for that authentic taste of Italy. Chef Claudio will whip up some of his best dishes just for you and you will be able to send your taste buds on a little Italian vacation.

Until we can all share in a delicious meal together, we've found this visual feast of the Italian sights! Enjoy this hyper lapse video of Italy and zoom through the views.

Call us today at 604-430-2195 to make your reservations! We can wait to share our love to Italy and the Italian dolce vita with you!




(Image via Pixabay)

What pasta goes with what sauce?!

Did you know that there are ideal pasta noodles for different kinds of sauces? For some, it may be very obvious which kind of pastas are perfect for the many different kind of sauces. We're guessing that for the majority of pasta and Italian food lovers, the perfect combinations of sauce and pasta is not something specifically thought of. All that matters is delicious flavour. We agree.

When you come to La Piazza Dario, you don't need to do the thinking. All you need to do is see which flavours tickle your fancy and Chef Claudio will whip it up for you!

However, if you are curious (or in the mood to make some pasta at home), here's a tasty infographic that that shares the best kind of pastas for different types of sauce...

(Infographic via Nosh On It)

Discover the Italian way of life and the art of the feast!

Italy has many wonderful splendours and treasure to offer the world. Past or present, Italy is full of beautiful things and promoting a beautiful life. It is a country that offers much in the way of art, architecture, nature, history, music, and of course, food.

Italian cuisine is, simply put, exquisite in its flavours, freshness, and its ability to bring people together. It seems that, big or small, Italians have discovered the art of the feast!

Join our table and experience an Italian feast created by Chef Claudio! You will not be disappointed, we guarantee. Chef Claudio uses delicious fresh ingredients and recipes that he has brought with him from his own kitchen back in Italy many years ago. La Piazza Dario is his way of bringing authentic Italian fare to the table and opens the doors to this Italian feast and la dolce vita so many are craving!

To inspire you, here is a great video featuring Italy and the Art of the Feast from BBC...

Enjoy and see you very soon! We'll have your dinner ready and waiting for you to savour and fill your hearts (and tummies) with delicious delights!




(Image via Pixabay)

Happy Father's Day to all the Papa's this weekend!

Treat your father to a delicious evening of tasty Italian fare this weekend. After all, it's his day! Of course, you don't need the excuse of Father's Day to give him those extra hugs and visit La Piazza Dario!

Chef Claudio (also a papa) knows his way around the kitchen and uses only the freshest ingredients that will make your Father's Day dinner incredibly tasty. Here are three easy steps to celebrating a truly wonderful and tasty Sunday with your beloved fathers this weekend:

1. Call La Piazza Dario and make your reservations.
2. Keep it a surprise. Surprises as tasty as this one are always a delight!
3. Get him a card and give him a big bear hug.

We hope to see you this weekend and looking forward to celebrating with you! Check out the menu here.

Come join us for a tasty dish of Chef Claudio's spaghetti alle vongole veraci!

What are your plans? No plans? Well let us make some for you! Come to La Piazza Dario's for a delicious home cooked meal of spaghetti all vongole. It's a delicious and fresh plate of pasta with a light white wine, garlic and clam sauce, lightly bathing in spaghetti. 

The clams are delightful, perfectly cooked and full of flavour. Fresh basil adds a pop of colour and flavour contrast to the clams and white wine. It's the perfect way to enjoy a full dish of pasta without it weighing you down. This is a dish that, if you can't finish it, you will definitely want to bring the leftovers home! 

Enjoy it with a glass of white wine and follow this savoury delight with a sweet dessert and/ or espresso and you will be one happy Vancouverite!

Call us to make reservations at 604-430-2195.