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| - Once upon a time, there was a place called "the Italian Centre" that existed in Bridgeland. And one day it moved far, far away, classed up and became the beautiful restaurant/grocery store called Mercato on Calgary's hip Beltline. It also had some of the best authentic, traditional Italian food outside of Italy, and certainly in Calgary.
So one day, old friends of the Italian Centre trekked down to Mercato to see how much it had changed. But behold, the insides were still the same! They were pleased to find that the grocery side was as well-stocked and delicious as always, the staff as friendly and laughing as always. And the new adjoining restaurant quickly became an addiction, a gourmet realization of all of their Italian hopes and dreams. It was full of light woods and an open kitchen, with tables scattered around the edges. And because Mercato had become so beautiful, it had new friends filling it almost every day of the week!
These old friends found that while the lunches were cheaper and delicious, dinner was where it was at! Just last night, they visited their new haunt once again. Delicious food was to be had all around. A "small" starter of Ahi Tuna Carpaccio was excellently prepared, light and delicious but flavorful with the addition of a light aioli and sea salt. Also amazing was the stuffed cuttlefish. Then came the pastas and risotto. The risotto was flavorful and filling, and surprisingly light. The gnocchi was covered in marscapone and a light lemon sauce, adding a refreshing spin to a dense dish. Throw in a dry prosecco, some excellent service and a lovely atmosphere for a night out, and it became the stuff of delicious history.
The story ends happily, as the old friends parted stuffed full of delicious food, and promising to come back soon.
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