Amidst the towering buildings and architecture of busy downtown Toronto there it was. It had been enticing me from afar for years. Now it's softly whispering my name in the wind as if were to suddenly whisk me through its glass doors and gently draw me to sit down and stay for awhile.
No, no, I must adhere to the temptation. But I can't help it, I find myself scanning the menu looking for just the right dish to satisfy my hunger pains. As I feast my weary eyes upon a delicious array of classic and modern italian dishes I feel something happening. The edges of my mouth begin to curl in the most wonderful way. These are the makings of a smile pleased at the words that are staring back at me. Ahhh there it is in black and white...Rigatoni Alla Vodka...and now my mouth begins to water in anticipation at the very thought of this tantalizing rose sauce coming face to face with my taste buds, each of which has now begun to stand at attention.
Finally, I have found the perfect place to soothe the italian beast in me. Alas, it's 'Vagabondo Italian Ristorante & Lounge'! Yes, Vagabondo (translation means 'vagabond' in english) has it all, casual atmosphere, ambiance and amore (for the food that is! Oh you are you ever going to fall in love with their food!) and most importantly it's reasonably priced too. I have only positive things to say about my experience here. The staff was warm, friendly and knowledgeable. The appetizers were in a word, incredible, and had me wanting to try everything on the menu.
The Calamari Fritti served with a zesty seafood sauce were melt in your mouth (literally!) and the Pizza Bianca (white pizza, lightly brushed with extra virgin oil and topped with thinly sliced potatoes, bacon, mozzarella and diced tomatoes) was the perfect opener to the piece-de-resistance main dish, Rigatoni Alla Vodka. What can I say? I'm just wild about rose sauce. Definitely bread scooping worthy sauce which you bet I did! Oh btw they have a catering menu and they do have take-out, so if you can't go to them, they'll come to you.
They have private and semi-private dining spaces for larger parties as well. Also don't forget to experience their 'Hot Lunch Express Table' open daily for your convenience. During the summer months you've got to check out the outdoor patio (complete with graceful water fountain) because it's the place to be and be seen as it faces busy Wellington Street with the Flatiron building as a stunning backdrop. This just adds a rich flavour to its already Mediterranean feel.
There the crowds can be seen comfortably nestled in their chairs, listening to smooth jazz (complete with in house DJ spinning down tempo beats every Thursday thru Saturday) while enjoying a glass of Pino Grigio and indulge in favourites like brushetta and Pizza Margherita to name a few. For your convenience, validated, underground and street parking are always available.
So ask yourself this. Why wait? Check out their website below. Just don't forget to make reservations (yes, they're needed!) and let your taste buds experience a flavourful explosion of the old country Toronto style all year round! Salute!
VAGABONDO ITALIAN RISTORANTE & LOUNGE
32 Wellington Street East (between Yonge & Church Streets)
Toronto, Ontario
M5E-1C6
416-862-1999
http://www.dine.to/profile_features.php?feature=website&id=4563
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
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