Today we were at Tutto, one of my Italian go-to’s for lunch. They are now open 7 days a week with later closing hours. Last call is at 9:30pm on Sunday to Thursday and 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Previously they have only only been open Thursdays and Fridays for lunch, so to now have their advertised “35 minute lunch” available for all days of the work week is a nice treat. This is in consideration for those in the area looking for a delicious, quick, and affordable meal out of the realm of fast food.
This two course lunch takes place Monday through to Friday, starting at 11:30am and ending at 2:30pm; where the best deal after that would be from off of their happy hour menu. Lunch is $29 for two courses, starting with the mandatory Spring Rocket Salad. Nothing too exciting, a lightly seasoned bowl of greens that include red and green cabbage, frisée, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. There was just enough vinaigrette to coat and sauce the slightly bitter leaves, but overall it was an intentionally plain salad, and best eaten as a side to something more meaningful below.
Seeing as my guest and I were both getting the lunch special we decided to upgrade our second rocket salad into a Caesar salad. Before we committed we had asked our server if the Caesar would include anchovies as I found the salad on the plain side with only dressing, parmesan, and croutons. He said it would but, was mistaken. As a result, our salad was one toned and as expected, no better or worse that the the spring one above.
This was the side salad version and a full lone serving is listed as $18. Therefore, despite the menu not listing anchovies as one of the Caesar’s ingredients, I find it hard to believe that it is $18 otherwise.
For entrees you have a choice between salmon, sea bass, veal, chicken, or pasta with sausage; as the most heartiest plate. The intention is to have these plates sit lighter so that you aren’t going back to work with a dense weight sitting in your belly, thus making you sleepy.
Oh that note we continued to keep our meal low on carbs, so went with the two meat dishes, both similar in sides with nugget potatoes smashed and seasonal vegetables the like asparagus and heirloom carrots. Each gently boiled or steamed and seasoned in butter and herbs.
The Chicken Scaloppine was in a vino rosso sauce that was on the peppery side. It was softened chicken in a light gravy, easy to eat. Nothing memorable, accept that it was nicely prepared.
The Veal Piccata was similar as a soft and smashed slab of meat, dressed in a more traditional gravy with lemon and capers. The brininess and citrus of the above helped to cut into the otherwise more fatty richness of the baby cow meat.
And seeing as we were already here, we also decided to try a couple of plates from their regular menu, leaning into our cravings. My guest wanted the Carpaccio with arugula, grana padano, fried capers, and horseradish aioli. And their new Executive Chef came around and generously grated, what remained of half a bulb of black truffle, over the dish. The thin slices of meat was already fairly flavourful with the crispy fried shallots, so the truffle added more depth with its distinct umami nature.
I on the other hand wanted a more fulsome salad so looked to the Tuna Nicoise. On top of a bed of mixed greens you got saku tuna, soft egg, potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and olives; all dressed in a more exciting and flavourful house vinaigrette. I really enjoyed how fresh this felt and how each ingredient paired so well with all the others, so complimentary in taste and texture. I would come back and order this one again.
In short, if in the area and looking for an easy and quick lunch from an elevated restaurant, that won’t break the bank, this is the one.
Tutto Restaurant & Bar
901 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W6
+1 604-633-8868
tuttorestaurant.ca
