“Bella” is related to the Italian and Latin words meaning beautiful.

“Notte” means night.

Bella Notte = Beautiful Night!

Almost in my backyard, is a special Ristorante known as Bella Notte.  I’ve been enjoying their fine food for over a decade now.  Florence, Rome, Pompeii, beautiful Italy, look no further, authentic Italian cuisine is closer than you think.  Whether it is a beautiful night (or day) at Bella Notte Ristorante, you will be served classic Italian food.

The Guzzo family has roots in Durham going back at least 50 years.  Their Italian heritage stems from the Calabria area, part of the little Italian boot.  Calabria is also famous for Lydia’s Italy, featured on the Food Network.  Lydia Bastianich features many simple but delicious dishes from the surrounding region and provinces.  She is one of the most beloved Italian chefs today.

Bella Notte also offers delicious authentic dishes in a traditional comfortable setting.  The décor is simple, yet the tables are nicely dressed with crisp white tablecloths.  I love this look and appreciate this as it isn’t something you see very often in restaurants.

Recently, I had the opportunity of enjoying a fine lunch with a client and as usual Bella did not disappoint.

My starter was the usual scrumptious Crostini, rubbed with fresh garlic, topped with fresh basil, sliced vine tomatoes and shaved parmesan cheese.  This appetizer is a ‘must have’ when you visit Bella Notte.  It isn’t the usual soggy cheese garlic bread you get in fast food joints.  Although garlicky it is extremely worth it.  It’s the only time I enjoy garlic since so many recipes are overdone with garlic spices.  With this Crostini dish you can indulge and welcome it.  Afterwards, just don’t breathe on anyone for 2 days and you will be okay.  🙂

My main course for lunch comprised of a good size serving of lightly breaded veal, thin and crunchy, topped on a bed of mellow arugula, scented with fresh lemon wedges, extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with capers.  The spicy fresh grated pepper kissed my lips and blended nicely with the peppery zest of arugula, intermingling with the crunchy veal and fresh salad.  Combine this medley and your mouth will experience a Food Somersault™.

Bella Notte was very pleased to have been featured as one of the Whitbylicious dining programs which launched January 24 and ended on February 7, 2013.  There were 9 participating restaurants offering a three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus envisioned by some of the best culinary virtuosos in the Durham Region.  You can read more about this exciting event at www.whitbylicious.com.  We look forward to the next culinary event.

Is there an upcoming special event in your life?  Bella Notte can be of assistance with their private banquet room.  They can accommodate up to 140 people.  Their catering expertise and background offers an array of delicious options for any occasion.

As they say in Italy, Ciao i miei amici. Please visit their site for more information, (www.bellanotte.ca), their menus and sign up for the newsletters and also visit Facebook as they will be featuring another contest in early March. The Facebook site features delectable photos that will entice your taste buds leading you to their fine Italian eatery.

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