So my wonderful husband received a nice cheque for his bday in the mail, from some very lovely in-laws...and what does he chose to do with that, you ask...well take his amazing wife out to dinner of course!!! Yipee. We decided to go to this little, hidden, local Kitsilano treasure called La Bucca. We have been here a few times, and really love the nice, cozy buzz in there. (tip: this restaurant gets LOUD on weekends when its packed, because its very small....so not a great place to go if anyone in your party is hard of hearing) Plus its only about a 20 minute walk, so you can build up an appetite! You probably wouldn't even see this place if you were walking by...it's so tiny and in amongst some nondescript stores, in a little strip mall type jobbie...along MacDonald Street. But you had better make a reso, because this place is always busy! And you will soon find out why.
We went early, at 6:30 so it was a little quieter than usual, but filled up by the time we left...and that was the only time we could get in. Each time we have been to this restaurant we have been impressed. Now, its not one of the best restaurants in Vancouver...but it is DAMN good.
Their fresh menu is constantly changing day to day, with their features on a huge chalk board at the back...it will take your server about 5mins to describe each one, leaving you totally confused and wanting everything. I really wanted to try their lasagna with roasted duck, apricots and mozzarella...it sounded so unique..but alas, my tummy wasn't up for something quite that rich...but I sure hope they have that on the menu again as the people beside us ordered it and said it was amazing!
Neither of us was too hungry, so skipped out on the starter and went straight for the vino...we had a little Quartino of wine to share, and it was the perfect amount...probably could have done 2 but we were trying to be "good". I ordered the house made Farfalle (bowties)with local wild mushrooms and pancetta done in a red wine sauce with a splash of cream...and it was delish! The pasta was a perfect el dente, and the sauce wasn't overthetop rich...but just a nice balance...loaded with flavour!
Ideally when at an Italian restaurant, I like to have a main, like a fish or a meat with a side of pasta...but this night I indulged in the full bowl. They give you a perfect portion of pasta as well...I'd probably get a side salad next time just to break up the flavours...sometimes if you are just eating a bowl of pasta you are eating the same flavours over and over and it can get a little boring. This was not the case, because the portion was on the small side so, really just enough to fill me up....BUT if you have a huge appetite and you are just ordering one of their delicious housemade pastas, you may want to order some of their savory focaccia.
Ivan opted for the lincod, which was divine...roasted with sundried tomatoes, olives and Italian sausage...wow...what a gorgeous dish...a little bit of orzo (rice shaped pasta) a little spinach...I loved this dish. The cod on its own is a very bland fish...but this was cooked perfectly..soft and delicate and the flavours were a celebration in your mouth.
All of their salads and appies are delish...lots of imported speciality foods and ingredients from Italy. And if you need to take a wee, you actually get to walk through the little kitchen and see the chefs in action...with all of their trays stacked up with roasted tomatoes, and decadent desserts just winking at you....they must do this on purpose so you order that 3rd course! I highly recommend this restaurant for a nice casual dinner with friends, or simple date night with your favorite sweetie.
Enjoy!
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