Last night, a gang of hungry foodies and their friends descended on The Drive for Tasting Plates – Commercial Drive. Checking in at Federico’s Supper Club, tasting platers began their annual exploration of East Vancouver. Over the course of the night, the Italian legacy of the neighbourhood shone through with many plate reflecting a Mediterranean heritage
Starting the night on a lively note as special musical guest, Lesismore, performed their while we dined at Federico’s.
The Federico’s Supper Club tasting plate included 4 great bites; Arancino (a rich Arborio rice ball with saffron, Pecorino Romano and truffle oil), Bruschetta al Pesto di Piselli e Menta (grilled bread with a fresh topping of crushed peas with mint, olive oil and ricotta salata), Involtina di Prosciutoo e Burrata (Prusciutto wrapped Burrate with basil and fried capers) and a sweet Fico con Ricotta Fresca (honey roasted fig, with ricotta and balsamic reduction). A $5 wine pair for each plate was also offered.
Next we had a healthy, palate cleansing trio of Tasting Cups from Bonvita Health. Their juice and smoothie options were “The Root Down” (Orange, Beet, Carrot and Ginger juice), “Green Revival” (Cucumber, Kale, Celery, Cilantro, Dandelion, Apple and Turmeric juice) and “Bonvita Classic” (Banana, Cacao, Date and Almond Milk smoothie)
Over on Clark Drive, we found the Via Tevere Neapolitan Experss truck parked outside Strange Fellows Brewery. Hot Neapolitan Saltimbocca Sandwiches fresh from the truck’s stone oven; the options were Proscuitto and Arugula or a Caprese sandwich. Both were hot and melty contrasting with fresh greens and mayo.
Taking a seat inside Strange Fellows Brewery to eat the sandwiches they were perfectly paired with the brewery’s tasting cups of Talisman Pale Ale (a pale ale with a hint of peach) and Jogleur Wit (a citrus Belgian Wheat ale).
Back up to The Drive, stepping into Fratelli Bakery was like a visit to Italy as the bakers piled a selection of their sweet Italian treats into a tasting box. Cream and Cheese filled Canollis, Nutella Macarons, Amaretti and, Espresso Cookies, Custard Filled Cream Puffs all gave us a taste of the old world.
The final stop at Prado Cafe helped wash everything down with a Italian Soda, or an alternate choice of Cold Brew Coffee or Iced Tea. The drink was served alongside a rich and moist slice of “Jackie’s Birthday Cake”.
If you missed your chance to experience the flavour-filled visit to Commercial Drive, don’t fret Tasting Plates is making another visit to a neighbourhood near you. August 26th, Tasting Plates Chinatown takes a tour through one of our oldest neighbourhoods to visit some of our newest restaurants.