while many local italian eateries have tried to capture the essence of what it means to live and eat as the italians do, few succeed in bringing this to life.
walking through the doors of the newly opened old town italy, my senses were immediately awoken to different sights, smells and sounds. from the freshly baked breads and beautifully decorated pastries, to the abundant choice of cheeses and meats – i didn’t know where to look first! there was a carefree ease and buzz about the place. i quickly felt right at home at old town – there was very much a sense of comfort and familiarity to the space, which instantly bought a nostalgic smile to my face as i fondly thought back to my recent trip to italy.
there was definite feeling of taking a trip back to the past, to a time where people lived far simpler and our relationships with produce and the people who bought them to us were just as important as the ones we had with those we broke bread with. the design of the space very much plays on an old-world-meets-new-world tip. there is an industrial factory feel to the space that is dotted with antique pieces and modern touches throughout.
with a butchery, bakery, gelato counter and wall-to-floor fully-stocked deli of imported local and italian produce, walking out empty-handed just isn’t an option. the space is designed for easy movement from one station to another and the knowledgeable and friendly staff make the shopping experience that much more enjoyable. i decide to try the gelato first, well, because life it too short to have dessert last. after much deliberation i chose the amerena cherry. a rich, lush, creamy and unbelievably fresh gelato that easily rivals the gelato found at a street-side gelateria in rome.
as i devour the remnants of my gelato, i saunter over from one station to another contemplating the age old question “what’s for dinner tonight?” thirty minutes later, i find myself with more product than i can possibly carry, perhaps equipped to host a dinner party or, three for the next month.
not satisfied with the little samples i have been teased with at the various counters, i decide lunch is in order. i happily find out that all the produce that is sold at old town is used in their meals at the old town café.
the menu is full and diverse – pastas, antipasti, flatbreads, salads. if you prefer a bit of this and a bit of that the piatto misto allows you to pick and choose whichever cheeses and meats strike your fancy. as a pasta lover i opted for the morish spaghetti allo scoglio. a spaghetti and seafood-fest of anchovies, calamari, prawns, white wine, cherry tomatoes and chilli. with an extensive beverage menu including wines, craft beers, cold-pressed juices and more, picking a beverage to pair with my pasta seemed easier said than done. reminiscing about my rose-fueled evenings in florence, i decide on the brezza rose, perhaps a slightly unorthodox choice, but who says rules aren’t meant to be broken?
my visit to old town has left me both excited and inspired to sample these wonderful ingredients. leaving with my buys – cheeses, pastas, ciabatta and of course a cronut (ok, two) i know it won’t be too long before i find myself back at old town italy. old town italy is a true celebration of food and life as much as it is the appreciation for exceptional quality produce. it confirms what i have come to know and love about italian food – simple flavours and ingredients that are uncompromisingly fresh are really what italian cuisine is all about.