Another Paese

• Tweet

• Tweet

Local cuisine is a perk for any traveler. Whether it was Ceviche in Ecuador, Dolma in Turkey, or Pizza in Italy, pure authenticity made each of my meal experiences that much more enjoyable, and, of course, delicious. When traveling more locally, however, these kinds of dishes are harder to come by.

North of Mexico, most areas have created their own foodie specialties from a medley of European, African, South American, and/or Asian influences. In the United States, it is sometimes done right, like in New England Clam Chowder or Cajun Shrimp Gumbo, and other times, very wrong, as in most Tex-Mex cooking (please excuse my bias, I just know true Mexican food too well). Thankfully, there is also a wealth of global and fusion cuisines across both the U.S. and Canada. I discovered a certain Ontarian gem, for example, on my last visit to Toronto.

Paese Wine

Upon entering Paese, my friend and I were treated to two exquisite glasses of wine. Although we did not know it at the time, each bottle had been chosen by their staff sommelier. Before long, we were generously offered a taste of one of their not-yet-on-the-bar-menu appetizers, it was both familiar yet innovative, and then served a spectacular pizza. I can say from experience that it is the lightest, and thus best, I’ve had outside of the Italian border. And finally, as a thank you to our excellent hosts, my friend and I ordered a chocolate torta and were, once again, blown away by it’s delectability. (Read more about my serendipitous experience here.)

Of course, I must also comment on the atmosphere, which is as sophisticated and inviting as the food itself. The main dining room and bar are modernly accented with whites and blacks. These monochromatic colors look especially beautiful against the natural wood tones of the floors and furniture. Another interior aspect is the walls which are made up of gorgeous yet bare exposed brick that is playfully decorated with warm lights.

Paese Interiors

And finally, perhaps the most pleasant surprise of all, is the Paese staff.

All were so genuinely good-intentioned and talented. During my visit, I was lucky enough to meet both the owner, Tony Loschiavo, and executive chef, Christopher Palik, along with various others, who were eager to share their creative origins, “Inspired by Italy, Made in Canada,” and culinary values: whole, quality ingredients and fresh, sumptuous meals.

Paese executive chef

What is Toronto’s specialty? I probably still could not tell you. What I can tell you, on the other hand, is this: if you are ever in the Toronto-area and looking for that special “kitchen away from home,” Paese is most definitely, it. Enjoy.

Paese Ristorante
333 King Street West
Toronto, ON
416.599.6585

About the Author:

Danielle E. Alvarez is the author of 37 posts on Go Backpacking.

Danielle is a globetrotter with a healthy appetite. In addition to writing about her travel and foodie experiences, she enjoys reading, indulging in the arts, and channeling her inner-yogi. Read more from Danielle at her blog, Danielle Abroad.

The Travel Blog Success community offers practical resources and personal support to help you build a better travel blog.

Whether you treat blogging as a hobby, or dream of building a location independent business, you'll learn what's required to create a name for yourself in the online travel world.

Benefits of Joining:

1. Personal support from Dave, including site critiques and tips on negotiating advertising deals.
2. Ability to learn from others' mistakes, and save yourself time, energy and money.
3. Chance to network with other travel bloggers of all levels, from around the world.

Click here to learn more.

Categories: Canada, Food
Post tags: blogsherpa, canada, restaurant, review, toronto