La Forchetta

I first discovered La Forchetta several years ago when I was taking my grandson Brad out for dinner. We walked along College St in ‘Little Italy’ to decide which restaurant we wanted to have dinner. We certainly made the correct choice. This vibrant part of the city is worth the visit. A variety of restaurants line the street. There are always a lot of people walking on the street, enjoying the restaurants and films at the Royal Cinema. There is a buzz and an energy that I like. I can actually remember the actual table and the menu we enjoyed that evening.

Last winter my ‘foodie’ friend Elaine and I were out for a Sunday dinner. I recalled my first experience and suggested we return. The place was filled and there was a high energy to the restaurant. Even more important the food was outstanding.

Elaine and I decided to have a re-visit to this restaurant to see if it was still as great as we remembered. We invited another friend to join us. We certainly made the right choice. The street was bustling on this hot evening. I enjoyed looking into all the restaurants on the street. Most had the front windows removed and the patrons were sitting outside enjoying the first taste of summer.

This is a first class restaurant. The food is traditional Italian fare but there is also an attempt to feature nouvelle continental fare. The finest of ingredients are used. The menu features a Dozen Classic Pastas from varied regions of Italy. Four Risottos are listed on the menu.

Part of the entertainment is to watch the platters of food delivered to the tables. The presentation is so artistic and creative. The fresh crusty bread was infused with fine quality olive oil and herbs. Fantastic doesn’t begin to state how great that was.

The Sicilian Rolls are a popular dish as an appetizer.($9.00) The rolls are stuffed with smoked mozzarella cheese and oregano infused olive oil. The dipping sauce is a chipotle Roma tomato base. Absolutely Yummy.

Steamed PEI Mussels are prepared with scallions and roasted garlic ($10.95)

My friends opted for Seafood Casserole. The large white bowl was filled with Mussels, calamari, fish, shrimp and scallops in a fragrant sauce. They slurped and ‘oohed and awed’ their way through the whole presentation.

I ordered the Planked Salmon. A delicious pesto sauce topped the perfectly cooked salmon. It was placed on a large bed of lentils, tomatoes and herbs.($23.00)

The menu includes an extensive presentation of seafood, meat and pastas all beautifully presented.

The desserts are well worth mentioning. Tiramisu is the best. When you read the ingredients you will know why it is so perfect. The magical concoction included strong brewed espresso, Marsala dessert wine, special rum, cognac and kahlua topped with semi sweet drizzle.($9.00) The Warm Twice Baked Chocolate Cake features a centre of warm chocolate ganache, topped with vanilla gelato and drizzled with Belgium white chocolate.($9.00)

Maple Crème Brulee is caramelized fresh custard infused with maple syrup ($8.00)

This is a winning combination featuring the finest cuisine in a warm friendly atmosphere.