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)

Let's chat about the delights of il mare!

This week's Italian word is mare. It is the Italian word for the sea. Being a peninsular and island country, the sea holds special and tasty treasures that Italians most certainly make the most of in the kitchen! 

In Vancouver, we're lucky to have tasty and fresh seafood so Chef Claudio and culinary team behind La Piazza Dario can whip up delicious Italian seafood dishes.

Here are a few of those creations that your tastebuds can delight in when you come and join us for meal:

• Avocado e gamberetti: avocado and shrimp topped with our signature dressing on a bed of arugula
• calamari grigliati: lightly grilled squid with baby greens, lemon oil and spices
• gamberoni al pescatore: tiger prawns sautéed with garlic, white wine and lemon, topped with julien vegetables
• cozze alla marinara: mussels sautéed in garlic, white wine and tomato sauce
• calamari fritti: fried squid served with homestyle sauce

Can you believe that these are just some of our appetizers? We've got more delicious treats from il mare. Explore our menu and we hope to see you soon!

(Image via Pixabay)