With the Grammys held last night and the Oscars a few weeks away, we are smack dab in the middle of awards season. Now, the afore-mentioned ceremonies are pretty impressive, but they don’t compare to the glamour of being awarded a spot on the Authoritative Cucina Mauro List of Hidden Gems (insert sarcasm here)! So, I am happy to announce the following new additions to The List:
Cucinato Italian Culinary Studio, 1338 Lansdowne Ave (at St. Clair Ave. W.), cucinato.ca
If you are looking for authentic Italian food and culture, look no further than Cucinato Italian Culinary Studio. This is the place to go for amazing pop-up themed dinners, cooking classes, or private events, all with genuine Italian hospitality and subdued flare reminiscent of an unpretentious trattoria in Italy. Events are run by a slew of chefs, from across the City, who specialize in all types of authentic Italian cuisine. Although, with Toronto Life magazine recently recognizing Cucinato’s pizza-making classes as one of the best cooking classes in the City, this gem may not be so “hidden” for long. P.S. You’ll even find me there, on occasion, as a guest chef.
Tre Mari Bakery, 1311 St. Clair Avenue West
A short walk away from Cucinato, you will find Tre Mari, one of the oldest and best Italian bakeries in the City. Now run by the grand children of Jim and Mary De Leo, who opened the bakery more than 50 years ago, it is still focused on the same family values and customer service of yesteryear.
Massimo Bruno’s Italian Supper Club, 66 Fraser Avenue, massimobruno.com
Another gem that is not really very hidden, Massimo Bruno’s Italian Supper Club is as much about Massimo’s exuberant personality as it is about his delicious food. His themed ticketed events, held at his open concept kitchen in Liberty Village, sell out fast. Massimo is a master of simple Italian cuisine, especially from his home region of Puglia. I’m proud to say that I’ve had the honour to learn some of his secrets directly from the master himself.
Francesca Bakery, 2 Invergordon Ave
Heading east, one of Scarborough’s best spots for Italian bread, pastries, and other delicacies is Francesca Bakery. This is a great spot to grab a panini at lunch, so some amazing cannoli, but what really earns its spot on The List is their masterful artistic marzipan creations at Christmas and Easter time. In the fine Sicilian tradition, they create marzipan in the shape of various fruits and vegetables and are so realistic looking that you would be hard-pressed to know the difference. True craftsmanship.