La Piazza Dario: Friday

It's Oscar weekend and an Italian film holds a coveted spot in the Foreign Language Film category!

We're keeping our fingers crossed for our fellow Italians in the race for an Oscar!

La grande bellezza, or 'The Great Beauty' in English, was at the top of Italy's shortlist when the submission decision was being made, and rightly so! This film joins an elite list of Italian films and filmmakers the have been nominated to win one of the most prestigious awards in arts and culture; a list that includes Life is Beautiful (1998 Winner), Scent of a Woman (1975 Nominee) and Federico Fellini's 8-1/2 (1968 Winner).

So what's this film about? Here's a short synopsis from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:

Jep Gambardella is a well-known journalist whose success has placed him at the center of Rome's decadent social world. But Jep is also the author of an acclaimed novel, written years ago, and he remains haunted by the career he failed to pursue when he chose the seductive ease of his current life.

It's been almost 10 years since Italy had an entry that has made it this far and only Sunday will tell if La grande bellezza is going to be the winner. We've got high hopes that this film will add another Oscar win to record in Italian film history!

In the meantime, join us for a deliciously authentic Italian meal and get in the mood for some Italian films!

Reward your busy back to school week with a little taste of Italy!

La Piazza Dario is all about bringing a little taste of Italy to your table and this weekend we want to invite you to our place. We know that September is a busy time of year for all, especially for those of us with families heading back to school. We appreciate that back to school week is usually one with a bit of chaos. So, why not let us take care of dinner this weekend? You've had a busy week after all!

Bring your kids, your entire extended family, or maybe just take some time for you and your significant other to enjoy a date night filled with the romantic food of Italia.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

(Image via Pexels)

Complete your authentic Italian culinary experience in classic Italian sartorial style...

What do we think of when we think of Italy? Delicious food, excellent wine, loud and loving Italian families, Vespas and Fiats, the Coliseum and fashion, of course! We can serve up the authentic Italian meal but we'll leaving the styling up to you!

But for inspiration, here are some of our favourite, classic Italian looks for this week featured on The Sartorialist!

Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, Florence & Via Piave, Milan

Via Manzoni, Milan & Eleonora, Florence

White & Blue, Florence & Brera, Milano

Vintage Dressing Italian Style, Florence & Nil, Florence

Via Senato, Milan & Via Santa Marta, Milan

(Image via Pexels)

Fruity - Nutty - Citrusy: Discover which type of wine is your favourite flavour.

Do you know exactly what flavours of wine satisfy your taste buds the most but have no idea which type of wine it is? In other words, you're at a complete loss as to which type of wine you're looking for in the store or on the menu but when served it at a dinner party you go, "That's it!" We know the feeling. You sit, almost dumbfounded in your seat, your eyes narrowing in concentration as you attempt to explain to your server the exact taste of your wine. Unfortunately, the type of wine has evaded you.

We've found your solution! Check out this incredibly detailed infographic that maps out exactly which types of wine taste fruity, nutty, citrusy and beyond!

What to do with your new found knowledge? Test it out on the extensive wine selection at La Piazza Dario of course!

View enlarged infographic.

It's Friday and what perfect time to watch a beautiful program about Italian life than today?!

What does it really mean to be a gondolier in Venice? How do Sicilians define themselves and separate from the island's mafia labels? How does a young Roman teenager find joy in high speeds races amidst the grand history of her home? Did you know that world's most dangerous horse race occurs in Sienna?

There is so much to learn about Italy and its people. If you find yourself even remotely intrigued and in the mood for some Italian culture, we've got a perfect plan for a relaxing night off:

Come visit La Piazza Dario for an authentic Italian meal. Chef Claudio guarantees your enjoyment of his delectable dishes (you'll probably end up wishing you ordered more to take home!).
Get into your comfy clothes (pajamas maybe?) and put on the Discovery Atlas, Italy Revealed (click to watch) and immerse yourself into the stories of Italian people from all over the country!

Now how's that for a plan?!

(Image via Pexels)

Hello to all our friends and Italian food lovers! Have you seen our delectable new gallery?

We've recently updated the website and along with this new look, we've got a delicious new gallery that will give you a glimpse into an authentic Italian experience!

Check out our cozy and quaint space, our decadent desserts, our mouthwatering dinners, our selection of wines and of course, our wonderful head chef Claudio!

Better yet, come visit us in person and enjoy the flavours of authentic Italian eats!

Let Chef Claudio Ranallo do the cooking and treat your Mom to another well-deserved night out!

A tradition with many families on Mother's Day is to go out for a family meal to celebrate all that Mom does. Although we know that many dads also do their share of the cooking, going out for a family meal is a great way of showing Mom that you appreciates everything that she does and that you know that she works hard.

Which is why we believe that just because Mother's Day is over doesn't mean Mom shouldn't get any more special nights out with her family! While we know going out for dinner every night isn't realistic, treat Mom every now and then by coming to La Piazza Dario and enjoy an authentic home style cooked Italian meal. She'll love you for it - we promise.

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

(Image via Pixabay)

What does one do after a delicious meal at La Piazza Dario? Watch a movie that will get you into an Italian mood!

Maybe a trip to Italy for an Italian adventure is a little out of the budget right now, but that doesn't mean you can't have a taste of Italian culture for the evening! Come on down to La Piazza Dario for the culinary part of your Italian evening. You'll find the authentic, home cooking of Chef Claudio Ranallo will not disappoint.

Now as for those Italian views and the vibrant Italian people, here is a short list of fun films set in Italy...

(Click captions below each image for more info.)