Good morning everyone. Like I mentioned on Friday, I had dinner reservations at Corso 32 on Saturday. This was my second time there, and let me just say, it did not disappoint. I’ll tell you a bit about the place and my experience there, but honestly, just go try it for yourself. If you love food, you will not be disappointed. Unless you don’t appreciate real food with real ingredients. In that case just stop reading now.
Chef Daniel Costa named his restaurant after patriarch Mario Costa’s street address back in Italy, before he moved to Canada. There are also only 32 seats in the restaurant. So the adage “reservations are suggested” is more appropriately, “you must make a reservation,” like way in advance if you want a weekend seating. We had a reservation for four people at 7:30 p.m. and it took about two months to get it. So worth the wait though.
Costa is committed to using as fresh and local ingredients as possible, cooked in a traditional Italian way. That is why the menu frequently changes, to align with what is in season and available. The whole restaurant is simple and minimalist, from the décor to the tables to the one page menu. But, simple doesn’t mean plain. Corso 32 makes all pastas by hand, cures all meats in house and promotes late night dining,” it’s easy to see why Edmonton foodies are in love.
We started out with the arancini (which are crispy rice balls), recently changed to radicchio & taleggio ($11). Like the first time I tried them several months ago they were fantastic. Crisp and salty on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside.
Next we had my favourite item on the menu. Last time I was here I said I would never share this dish again. Unfortunately I did, and that’s my only regret of the night. I could eat four of these to myself. The grilled cheese, boschetto al tartufo, charred onion, sunny up egg, umbria truffle ($14). To call this a grilled cheese is a gross understatement. The creamy, flavourful cheese, the onion, the egg yolk. I’m practically drooling right now just thinking about it. If Costa ever takes this off the menu I’ll be heartbroken. It’s just that good.
Next, everyone had their own entrée. The men ordered the fried short rib, Okanagan pear & arugula salad ($23). I didn’t try it but I heard it was pretty good. Not great, but good.
There was also the pappardelle, house made wild boar and fennel sausage ($19). There is something to be said about homemade pasta. It just doesn’t get any better. The pappardelle noodles were cooked perfect, the dish, spicy and satisfying.
I had the Black Truffle Fonduta Ravioli, Brussel leaves,and butter. I don’t remember the price as this was just added to the menu and isn’t online yet, but I’m sure it was around the $20 – $25 mark. I’m pretty sure I would win the award for best meal of the night. I picked good. This ravioli was unlike any I have tried before. I inhaled this dish. First one done. The pasta melted in your mouth it was so light. Had it been any thinner and it wouldn’t have been able to stay whole. I’m not a huge pasta person and I could order this over and over again. I highly recommend it.
Finally, never one to turn down dessert we split the chocolate torta, with salty hazelnuts ($9) and the vanilla panna cotta, vin cotto, pistachios, & honey grappa ($10). This was the second time I had the torte. If you love chocolate you will be in heaven. Warning though, this dish is extremely rich. We couldn’t even finish it between three women. And that’s saying something! The panna cotta was wonderful. Creamy and light and completely satisfying.
To drink we all split two bottles of the Medici Concerto Lambrusco, Emilia Romagna IT ($45). I tried this wine for the first time here and it is one of my favourites now. It is a sparkling red that you drink chilled like a prosecco. It was the perfect accompaniment to our meal.
If you can’t tell by now, I highly recommend this restaurant. It’s definitely my favourite, and one I will return to many, many times in the future.
Food: 5 of 5 *** Service: 4 of 5 *** Ambience: 3.5 of 5
Glitter and Grapes 