Borgo Trattoria
I confess to being biased toward fancy-casual restaurants (and, in an ideal world, fancy and inexpensive!). You know, the type of restaurant that looks good inside-out, where customers don’t show up in their sweatpants (but don’t over dress either), and where you can enjoy tasty bites (while not stuffing yourself). And, I like trattorias: Italian food, yet more than just pasta.
I was really happy to see (the first, for me) trattoria in Calgary. Great location (on 17th avenue with 8th street SW – 818 16th Ave SW). Clean, minimalist design, with a canteen-like and overall intimate feel to it.
The brunch menu had a few vegetarian and egg-based options. I opted for the crostone – a toasted ciabatta sandwich with caramelized onions and mushrooms ($13). It came with a small salad side, which was very well dressed. The sandwich was delicious (the caramelized mushrooms were sweet, tender and full of flavor) and the meal was enough for me. However, if you’re looking for those huge plate-size portions, you’ll be disappointed.
Crostone sandwich
My friends went for the 2 baked eggs (Purgatorio, $15). Again, the dish came with a small salad side and a toasted focaccia. The last dish tried at our table was the small bite – scrambled eggs on toasted focaccia ($9). I was also happy to discover that they had bottled fruit juice on the menu – and not any fruit juice: apricots nectar ($1.80)! Be warned again: it comes in a mini-bottle. But it’s sooo good!
The bill for a party of four (4 brunch plates, 2 juices, 1 tea and 3 capuccinos) came to around $70 before tip.
Purgatorio
Small bite
