Going Glowbal: Fine Italian Fare on Burrard's Most Beautiful Sidewalk Patio

Enjoying the new, extended patio at the Italian Kitchen on Burrard Street, we decided to try a July Going Glowbal special from IK's Chef de Cuisine, Matteo Fontana. A rising star in Vancouver's culinary scene, Chef Fontana joins the Italian Kitchen team from Italy, and brings with him a skillfully balanced style and a knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine.

Beginning with the day's special creation, truffle and foie gras on bone marrow and focaccia toasts topped with duck, peppers and mushrooms - our afternoon meal seemed more like a fine dinner in Rome than a lunch beside Burrard Street's bustling sidewalk. Bringing the best of Italy to Vancouver, Chef Fontana's touch was evident with the main course, a 32 oz. bone-in ribeye, served for two with heirloom potatoes, baby arugula, balsamic blackberry jus, and crispy artichokes on the side.

Accompanying our lunch entree were zucchini blossoms, brought in from Denmark where they are currently in season, stuffed with ricotta and complimented with porcini mushroom carpaccio, arugula pesto and prosciutto cracklings.

And for dessert, a mascarpone and plum tart, featuring roasted plums, vanilla mascarpone cream and a port sauce with touches of 24-karat gold leaf. Serving some of the finest food in Vancouver's elegant boutique district, the Italian Kitchen is one of our favorites and our recommendation for those seeking to get out this summer.

The Italian Kitchen
860 Burrard Street
Phone: (604) 687-2858