The Burnaby Heights neighbourhood I grew up in was much more Italian than it is in 2019.
It’s far more diverse today than when I roamed Hastings in the 1970s, but that’s a good thing in a way because there’s an amazing global culinary scene all along the Heights business district.
But, fortunately, there is still a strong Italian heart beating in such places as Fortuna Bakery (which is also loaded with Portuguese goodies) and Cioffi’s Meat Market and Deli.
Now there is a new Italian place ready to blow our minds.
It’s called Sopra Sotto (4022 Hastings) and if that name seems familiar, it’s because the owners already have a location on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. That location has made a name for itself with fresh food that is a balance of tradition and modern cuisine.
Sopra Sotto has handmade pizza baked in a wood-fire oven and pasta that is made fresh in-house.
The restaurant touts the skills and attention to detail of chef Enrico Fratoni, who believes food should be simple and made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
“As strong believers of the Slow Food Movement, all of our menu items are prepared with care in the traditional Italian fashion,” says a posting on the company’s website. “Sauces are simmered for hours allowing for a true emersion of flavours. Similarly, our pizza dough is prepared in advance and allowed two days to rise—this grants that the yeast will complete its full growth cycle, creating a lighter meal. As Italian cuisine is so diverse, seasonal changes will be made to our menu; be sure to keep an eye out for new items, as well as old favourites.”
Well, I’m sold. Check out their menu .
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
