La Ghianda

A few months ago, we called to make reservations for dinner at La Quercia, a popular Italian eatery on 4th Avenue, which has been on our wish list for years. As luck would have it, we picked a day during their annual vacation, and we were forced to dine elsewhere. Naturally, we still have yet to go.

How excited were we to learn that the same people would be opening an Italian delicatessen named La Ghianda just around the corner on Alma Street? Very! And how playful are the owners, given that in Italian, quercia mean oak and ghianda means acorn?

Walking in, we were impressed by the simple feel to the room, although quite clearly the decor was a work in progress, what with the window-blind guy there. The extensive use of wood—along with the copper pots, pans and utensils—all gives the place sense of solidness.

Seeing how much space was available in the display coolers, it appears they were not fully stocked, but they still had plenty to satisfy the ravenous crowds.

They had a choice of two different sandwiches, mortadella and veal; we chose the mortadella ...

to go with our mushroom quiche.

We cannot stress enough the importance of fresh bread in any sandwich, and La Ghianda passes with flying colours; they even bake their own ciabbata in-house. Each of the individual ingredients in our sandwich was delicious on its own, but together they formed a symphony of flavours. The quiche was equally as good, hopping with mushroom piquancy.

We skipped the yummy-looking cookies, but we did treat ourselves to an Americano

and two cannoli for dessert.

The shells were super crispy, and the filling had just the right amount of sweetness.

If you're in the neighbourhood, drop in for a wonderful meal or snack. If you're not, make a special trip; it's worth it.