Thursday, July 12th, 2012...5:49 pm

Serra Ristorante: Italian Fares Well in the Annex

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Growing up, Italian was my cuisine of choice. As a result, most of my birthdays I can recall eating tartufo at the end of the meal, “because it is my favourite dessert in the world!” Some things haven’t changed – tartufo is still up there on my list. However, since moving to the city I’ve faced a challenge, an Ital-challenge, if you will. The sheer number of Italian restaurants has intimidated me, and whenever I made the difficult plunge into an Ital-decision, I seemed to continuously find myself in overpriced establishments that just didn’t live up to the depth of the entrée price. As a result I had kind of given up.

I had the Fusilli Di Manzo: AAA strip-loin, wild mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, organic arugula & shallots in a truffle oil beef jus. Yum!

 

However, recently I had the very special privilege of a visit from my parents –which meant that dinner was paid for (a privilege in both emotional and economical spheres). We went to Serra Ristorante, which is located in the Annex, close to Bloor and Spadina (west of Spadina, north-side). This restaurant isn’t especially cheap (ie. entrees are over $10, which isn’t in accordance with my regular frugality), but it isn’t outrageously priced either. A pasta dish, for instance, ranges from $12.95-$16.95, with the average price around $15. You can also grab a pizza within the same range, and let’s not forget the complimentary focaccia!

One for seafood lovers, this homemade Saffron Fettuccini is cooked with black tiger shrimp, Atlantic salmon, shallots, baby arugula in a creamy pesto alla vodka.

 

For the first time in the city core, I was not disappointed with what came to the table – in fact I was pleased! I tried all the dishes that were served (in the name of reliable research, of course) and every one was delicious. Personally, I probably wouldn’t have ordered the Saffron Fettuccini (with tiger shrimp & salmon), but my seafood-loving Step-Dad definitely approved. My Mom ordered the Spinach Half-Moon Agnolotti which would have tickled any goat-cheese lovers fancy. I ordered the Fusilli di Manzo, and I’d do it again! All in all, a rewarding experience for taste-buds and tummies alike.

One disappointment with Serra? No tartufo! But I guess we can’t have it all! So next time you’re looking for Italian, and perhaps something a little “speciale!”, this could very well be your place.

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