Cucina Market Bistro has definitely set the bar when it come to classy Italian dining. I came across Cucina randomly when I was perusing on the Big Taste of Calgary website. Their dinner menu line up secured my need to secure my reservation when I was visiting.
I was so pleasantly surprised when our party of 3 walked in and we were greeted immediately by one of the staff. He was in the midst of preparing our table and asked if we could just hang tight. The place smelled wonderful and every table was packed. I would not say it is overly big so I think reservations are definitely recommended. The decor was super modern with a combined taste of European shabby chic as well. I LOVED the dinner tables which had wooden plaques of wine labels on them.
As part of the Big Taste of Calgary 2016 Menu, I ordered the leek and zucchini bisque with creme fresh to start. The soup tasted wonderful and it excited my palate for what was to come. The braised lamb shank with fregola sarda (type of pasta) and root vegetables also did not disappoint. The meat literally was so tender that it fell off the bone. The flavors were all perfectly paired together. By the end of this meal, I wanted to lick the plate but then I was reminded that I was a lady (hahaha). The tiramisu wrapped up this meal very nicely and left me more than satisfied!
My partner had ordered from the Big Taste menu as well but the opposite of what I had so we would both have a samples of everything. He started with the heirloom tomato salad with celery hearts and aged balsamic dressing topped with goat cheese. His 2nd course was the sweet potato gnocchi with oyster mushrooms and kale in this delicious chutney. Dessert was chocolate coconut budino (pudding). I have to say everything was overwhelmingly good and I must come!
Our meal each was $35 off the Big Taste Menu and we added wine pairing with each course for only $20 and each (each pairing was 5 oz).