This review has been long overdue!
Way back in November my friend and I went to Anducci’s Italian Kitchen out in the Lougheed area of Burnaby for a late lunch.
Upon walking in I wasn’t exactly impressed with the decor, since Anducci’s seems like it can’t decide whether it wants to be a restaurant or a bar. One side of the place is set up with those large, low, square tables that one would expect in a restaurant, and the other side is set up with a bar and bar stools, a television, and small, high, round tables for smaller groups.
I guess they’re trying to attract different types of crowds.
One way or another, since nearly everyone was snowed-in on that particular day, Anducci’s was quiet and our server was really nice and very attentive. She brought us as much house bread as we wanted — which was a lot!
The house bread totally knocked my socks off — carb-fiends, brace yourselves. Anducci’s gives you complimentary bread, fresh and soft, generously sprinkled with salty parmesan cheese with the bottom pre-soaked in sweet, tangy balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil. It’s so flavourful and divine.
After scarfing down bread and our drinks, it was only a short wait for our entrees.
For me, half-order of the West Coast special: penne with smoked salmon and broccoli in a light, lemon-dill cream sauce and a dollop of marscapone. It was good! And big, especially for a half-order! The broccoli was still a little crunchy (just how I like it) and the penne was cooked perfectly al dente. The lemon-dill sauce was smooth and creamy without being overly rich or heavy — it was well-balanced and went beautifully with the smokiness of the salmon.
And I had lots left over! Bonus!
My friend ordered the seafood risotto, which came with prawns, scallops, and clams in a creamy dill sauce. I didn’t try any because I’m kind of terrified of eating clams, but she said it was amazing and ate it with a speediness that definitely verified her claim!
Lastly, we had finish off with coffee and caramel tiramisu — ain’t nothin’ better to kill those cravings you get for comfort food on a cold, snowy day!
Now, I’m no expert on tiramisu, but Anducci’s interpretation of the dessert was definitely something I’d go back for. The caramel drizzle was a little on the sweet side, and I suspect that the whip cream wasn’t made in-house, but the zabaglione (tiramisu cream) was delicate and rich with just a hint of caramel and cinnamon.
Final verdict: I liked Anducci’s Italian Kitchen, and, if I’m ever in the area, I will definitely go back (even if only to get some of their awesome house bread in my face). The lunch menu was very reasonably priced — especially for half-orders, which were the size of a full meal anyways, and my pasta was better than some of the pasta I’ve had at many “high end” Vancouver restaurants.
The atmosphere was a little tacky, but the service and food more than made up for it. Yum!
I’m guessing you didn’t see the beefcake in the bathroom then? Or did they take those pictures out?
Ooh — that’s right! They did have photos of hot, scantily clad men in the washrooms… hmmm. Bonus points?