Carino Riserva

 

Carino Riserva

2206 4 Street SW,  Calgary, AB

(403) 454-7668
Reservations can be made on OpenTable
www.carinoreserva.ca


So that amazing first date I had at Model Milk turned into something pretty special and we’re now celebrating our seven month anniversary.  With us both being huge foodies, we have done our fair share of dining out, and to mark 7 months of bliss we decided to try Carino Riserva, an Italian and Japanese fusion restaurant in the Mission area.

I’m not going to lie; I had my hesitancies in trying this place for a couple of reasons.  Firstly, this cultural food combo seems so polar opposite in flavours that it’s hard to imagine how it could possibly work well together. Secondly, Carino Riserva is a very small restaurant with tables arranged extremely close together, which you know I have an aversion to, and thirdly the décor is very simple and it didn't grab me the way some restaurants do.  This is  why I went back and forth the past few months as to whether I wanted to take the leap and try this little place out, but boy am I glad I did!

Yes, we were put at a little table with couples on either side of us that might as well have dined with us, and yes I could hear every word of their conversations, but I quickly lost focus as soon as we had our first bite of food.  I would say that the main flavours lean more towards Italian than Japanese, with the Japanese flavours subtly infused throughout.  No, you aren't required to put soya sauce on spaghetti, in case that might have been your fear as well.  

Now this is going to be a strong statement since I dine out all the time, but this had to be the BEST meal I’ve had in Calgary in a very long time.  The food blew everything else out I have recently tried out of the water.  All I can say is take the leap, you won’t be disappointed, I assure you.   

When going through Carino Riserva’s menu, you will be impressed by their offerings.  For Antipasti choices ($8-$15) they have many, including Panko Crusted Brie Cheese with a sweet chili sauce, Spicy Tuna Tartare infused with sesame oil, chili sauce and Tamari soy sauce, and a Steamed Clam & Mussel Hot Pot mixed with Italian Sausage, cooked in a Japanese Dashi broth, the foundation of many of their meals.  If you don’t know what Dashi broth is, it’s made with only three ingredients (water, dried kelp and bonito fish flakes) and it provides a perfect base for the dishes without overpowering them.  One of the salads they offer is their take on a Caprese Salad, which instead of balsamic and olive oil drizzled over it, they use a delicious Yuzu Vinaigrette.  The many pasta and gnocchi dishes ($17-$19) are also made with Dashi broth, but the broth is infused with additional flavours such as tomato sauce, pesto, garlic and truffle oil.  If you’re looking for non-pasta dishes, they also offer an array of meat and seafood dishes such as Beef Tenderloin, Duck Breast, Scallops, Cod and Lamb ($24-$33) gently infused with hints of Japanese flavours such as Soy-Honey, Garlic Teriyaki, Shimeji Mushrooms and Soy Butter Sauce.

We both decided to enjoy a bottle of Pino Grigio ($54) while sharing two mains from the Chef’s Tasting Menu.  We love seafood, so the first dish we had was Panko crusted soft shell crab on top of a creamy risotto with mussels and clams ($24). It was a generous portion, cooked perfectly and it was absolutely delicious.   The next special we tried was the Half Lobster Hot Pot ($28) with Dashi broth infused with tomato sauce, Italian sausage, mussels, clams and octopus.  Again the portion was generous and all the flavours melded together causing a sensory overload for our taste buds. It was amazing! At the end of this meal, we competed for the broth resting at the bottom of the pot, unable to get enough of it.  Lastly we broke down and had their dessert special, which was an almond ice cream, floating in a milk chocolate sauce with chunks of fruit jelly and dark chocolate pieces ($8).  The only word I could use to describe it is heavenly!

Carino Riserva has to be one of the most wonderful little gems tucked away in Mission. The service is excellent, the menu items are familiar yet unique in their preparation, and the flavours really are out of this world.  We will definitely be back again.

Thank you Carino Riserva  - Gochisoosama and Grazie per il pasto!

 

Favourite Downtown Coffee Houses

Coffee houses are places to sip on the most delicious thing known to mankind, while finding inspiration or just simply wanting to relax.  Many of these tucked away places feel as if you're sitting in someone's living room, with no pressure to leave anytime soon for fear you've outstayed your welcome.   Here are a few of my favourite coffee houses that I think are the full package:

Philosafy Coffee

632 17 Avenue  Calgary, AB

www.philosafy.com

This little coffee house popped up a short time ago on 17 Avenue SW and it's a fabulous place.  I love everything about it, from the atmosphere, flavour of their coffee, to the delicious baked goods supplied by Manuel Latruwe Belgian Patisserie and Bread Shop.  If I could have an apartment that looked like the inside of Philosafy, I would be thrilled, with its rustic décor of wood, metal, cement and marble that gives it a loft type feel.  I enjoyed a large latte, that was smooth and delicious which I paired with one of their tasty cheese and garlic scones.

My friend just started a new beauty business after being laid off from the oil and gas industry, and each Friday morning in the summer we'd pick a coffee house and brainstorm together.  When we visited Philosafy for the first time, we didn't want to leave and ended up spending three hours there here while regularly topping up on coffee.  We both commented how much we loved the ambiance, brightness and modern feel, as if we were sitting in a space out of Architectural Digest. 

I highly recommend trying this relatively "new kid on the block" coffee house, as you won't be disappointed.

Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar

909 10 Street SE, Calgary, AB

www.cafegravity.com


Gravity is a funky and contemporary coffee house & wine bar, mixed with the flair of an unpretentious art house. This is my usual place to go when I head on long bike rides in the summer, as they have a fabulous patio that gets sun all afternoon.  My go to drink is an iced almond latte with a pump of dolce syrup, which has to be hands down one of the best iced coffees I've ever had.  All the food is homemade, hearty and delicious, from their curries, soups, salads to baked goods.  If you want to enjoy a wine or beer, that's also an option as they're licensed. 

They offer live music, host numerous charity events  as well as local art and photography shows.  Each time you go, you'll also see new art and photographs on their walls that can be purchased from local artists.

I love everything about Gravity and the fact that they have become a driver for local artists & charities, as well as en established community coffee house & wine bar for the locals of Inglewood. 

If you are in the neighbourhood, stop by for a delicious coffee and while you're there, I highly recommend taking an hour or two and touring around the whole community of Inglewood, as you'll find eclectic shops from record stores, clothing boutiques, music venues to independent eateries sprinkled throughout.  

Bumpy's Café

1040 8 Street SW, Calgary, AB

www.bumpyscafe.com

If you're looking for a coffee house that provides delicious homemade comfort food like your grandma used to make, along with locally roasted organic coffee, then look no further than Bumpy's Café. Their motto is "Feel at home" and that is definitely how you feel when you enter through the doors, as they've created a warm & inviting space with a flare of retro throughout.

Each time I go here, I'm amazed by how the owner remembers all her regular customer's names along with their coffee and food orders.  She greets them by saying, "Hi (insert name), so will it be the blueberry muffin and a large latte again for you today?" I have yet to see her get it wrong. 

As for the food, you'll find homemade muffins, granola, quiches, meat pies, chili's, and panini's on their menu along with an array of coffee and tea options. In the morning, you'll see Grandma whipping up homemade muffins in the open kitchen by the coffee bar.  When you pick up your latte from the counter, you'll be treated to coffee art, with a beautiful leaf, heart and various other designs.  Everything they do is thought out, once again adding to the ambiance of "home".

So if you happen to be downtown, make sure to stop by for the delicious goodness  and warm environment that Bumpy's has to offer, you will enjoy every moment of it.