I've never been to Italy but walking into Appetito Trattoria in Gemmeyze's picturesque Pasteur street, better known among the locals as the vibrant blue house, gave me the impression that I was stepping foot into a traditional Italian home in Rome. The undeniably great hospitality and Italian tunes playing in the background completed the experience.
Adorably colorful flowerpots line the exterior's sidewall perfectly balancing out the bright blue. Homey wood elements and furniture consume the interior, from a fully stocked bar and silverware, to shelves, chairs, and even the AC cover. Antique shelves are lined with a variety of beautifully designed dishes, old jugs, and vases. The coat racks and woven baskets and jugs just add to the homey vibe. Red and white gingham patterned table cloths make for a more causal experience and a great backdrop for food photography.
You know when you're aware you're eating too much, but you can't stop because the food is simply that good? Well that's what we experienced when we took an Italian taste test tour through Appetito Trattoria's new lunch menu on November 17th. The launch of the new menu marks the World Week of Italian Cuisine.
The friendly staff got us started with wine. The Italian white wine, Cortese Del Piemonte "Antara" was the perfect recommendation throughout our entire meal. We started with the Bruschetta di Bufalo, which is perfectly crispy around the edges and moist in the center topped with cheese and diced tomatoes; Asparagi e speck, which is three generous pieces of asparagus tightly wrapped in speck and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese; and the Bruschetta al pomodoro, which was a lot crispier than the first one, and slightly more difficult to eat.
The Gorgonzola e Mirtilli Rossi was a wonderfully flavorful salad mixed with walnuts, raspberries, and apple slices. However, as simple as it was, the Funghi Trifolati takes the gold for being one of the best appetizers simply made of fresh mushrooms. The Patrizia Salad is loaded with chunks of artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan slices. We personally preferred this one to the Gargonzola e Mirtilli Rossi.
And now for the best part, and for the love of carbs: Pizzas and main dishes. The pizzas are prepared live in the back of the dining area in their wood fired oven. We tried the Acciughe, a delightfully thin crust pizza with anchovies and baby spinach. This pizza not only tasted good, but it made one hell of a vibrant shot. Next (in order and in rank) came the Quattro Stagioni. It gets its name and blend of four flavors from resembling the four seasons. The cheese pizza had a consistent base but was split into 4 sections of toppings: olives, artichokes, mushrooms, and ham.
Gnocchi is an Italian creation favored by many. Bummer that it has to be eaten in moderation. Three bites of the Gnocchi al Taleggio and we were in Italian heaven. The generously large pieces of homemade gnocchi are drowned in a cheese you can smell from miles away. The Risotto Scamorza e Limone, another crowd pleaser, was also covered in cheese that was similar in strength. What's an authentic Italian dish without cheese you cant identify and pronounce?
While there was little room left, we couldn't pass up an opportunity for some intensely satiating Al Liquore Marrons Glaces. A tiny taste of these chestnuts drowned in syrup and strong liquor was enough to satisfy my insatiable sweet tooth for the rest of the day.
Final verdict? It boasts a more homey Italian vide than does the other branch in Hamra. Service and quality are impeccable at both branches and we highly recommend you try just about everything listed on the new lunch menu.
