The Italian Centre YYC

Toady little chef,  my sister Jo Faye {the fabulous pastry chef}  and I visited the “Italian Centre Shop”  in Calgary.   We have been following them on instagram {@italinctryyc}  and drooling over their sexy offerings since before they opened.   Jo had a rain day from work and I had to be in the big city anyways so we decided to hit it up.   And man am I glad we did.  

Now I have been to real Italy.   I spent 3 weeks eating and drinking more than I had in the 6 months before the trip and so has Jo.   In fact Jo has a picture of herself with a wheel of Parmesan older than she is.   We appreciate Italy,  the food,  the culture,  the wine…  {especially the wine}  So not bragging but we had a pretty good idea of what to compare it to.   Because believe me,  the social media gurus who run the place have the entire city squirming in their seats wiping the drool from their mouths every time they post a picture.   So we had high expectations.   Very  high.  
And they met them.   We started with the little café and had a nice cappuccino and little chef had a sausage roll.  

Little chef of course had to have his little steamer of milk {I have created a monster,  every time I make myself my morning latte the kid walks over with his play espresso cup and demands I fill it with steamed milk and foam}  and I will admit he did end up dipping his sausage roll in it.   Fail.  

Next we perused the cheese wall.   Now if you appreciate cheese,  and you see the wall you will have to stand and catch your breath in awe.   It’s epic.   The main reason it is epic is because the Italians used the fine dedicated artistic workmanship of a badass Dutchmen; my uncle Peter.   Yes,  I am related to greatness and he crated the iron work in the entire building as well as the fabulous cheese wall display.  

They also have an awesome instagram account @heritage_forge look him up.  

Little chef was a huge fan of the amazing selection of cheese and convinced the sweet lady working to let him sample quite a few of them.  
The deli section with all the cured meats is just as impressive.  

From the moment we entered little chef was pointing and going “oh oh ohhh!”  at everything.   He thoroughly enjoyed himself.   Even passed out in the Jeep on the way home.  
So what did we make with out epic purchases?   Let me show you! 

We started with a charcutterie board complete with fresh and sexy figs.  

Next course was a caprese salad we made with some epic buffalo mozzarella.   {faint with happiness} 

Next of course.   Gnocci.   We saw the frozen pre-made stuff at the market.   But I can do better than that.  

Tossed those bad boys in some garlic,  shallot,  white wine and cream.   Like a boss.  
Last course was an amazing mushroom soup courtesy of Jo Faye herself.  

All in all it was an amazing meal and we will definitely be returning to the Italian Centre Shop!  
We even caught little chef stealing and running off with half a loaf of crusty Italian bread off the table.   That’s my boy.  

-Stephanie

Check me out on instagram @cultivating_foodies