Wednesday night dinner @ Bridge Street

For the past few months we've been talking about family dinners, long table series and comparing our favourite places in Italy. How do these seemingly different things come together? On Wednesday, we'll be hosting a special dinner at Bridge Street. We anticipate this will be the first of many special "family style" meals, an opportunity to gather with friends to talk and learn more about food, wine and Italy. The first region will focus on Emilia Romagna. (Yes, it's true, we drew the first region from a bucket. We have all different favourites and couldn't agree which region to start with.) The Menu: Bitter Greens with Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano & warm balsamic vinaigrette Tagliatelle with Ragu Bolognese Chicken Cacciatore Lambrusco Poached Pear The meal will include three (4oz) pours of wine. Cost will be $50 + hst & grat ($63.50). The number of guests is limited to 20. For additional information or to book your reservation, call Andrew at 250.590.4388 or email andrew@primastrada.com.

And the Winners are...

Celebrazioni! Prima Strada has won over the hearts and taste buds of Vancouver Island eaters at this years EAT Magazine Exceptional Eats Awards!

This is the second year of awards that gives EAT Magazine readers the chance to vote for their favourites - the best places to eat, drink and shop for food in a 32 question survey.

So without further ado, the awards are as follows (drum roll please...)

BEST TAKE-OUT/DELIVERY
The question: A dear friend is in the area for the first time. What local food or local ingredient from our islands do you have on hand to tempt them?
Pizzeria Prima Strada (GOLD)

NEIGHBOURHOOD RESTO
The question: What is your favourite restaurant that's within walking distance in your own neighbourhood?
Pizzeria Prima Strada (SILVER)

PLACE TO FEED A KID
The question: You have kids. You want to eat out with them because this should be a beautiful thing. What restaurant “gets” it?
Pizzeria Prima Strada (GOLD)

Honourable Mentions:

PLACE FOR LUNCH
The question: Pleasure for the taste buds, easy on the wallet, where are you going for lunch these days?
Pizzeria Prima Strada (Honourable Mention)

PLACE FOR SOLO DINING
The question: Table for one? Stool at the bar? What restaurant do you go to when dining alone?
Pizzeria Prima Strada (Honourable Mention)

BEST PLATE OF THE YEAR
The question: The best bite of the year. What restaurant dish made such a lasting impression that you wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to your B.F.F.? Name the dish and the restaurant, please.
Pizzeria Prima Strada (Honourable Mention)
Margherita Pizza - fairburn farm mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil

BEST MOBILE EATERY
The question: Food carts are here. Which one tops your list?
Pizzeria Prima Strada (Honourable Mention)

(huge round of applause!)

We would like to thank everyone who took part and voted for us, and hats off to all of the winners; it's great to see the enthusiasm and respect for the local food and drink scene!

To see all the winners, visit EAT Magazine.