La Playa Panama Vol 10, Nov 2013 | Page 6

P. 6 - LA PLAYA WWW.PLAYACOMMUNITY.COM NOVEMBER / NOVIEMBRE 2013 TODO SABOR QUOTE: “The problem with eating Italian food is that 5 or 6 days later, you’re hungry again.” ---George Miller VIAL CENTRO MÉDICO DENTAL GENERAL & INTERNAL MEDICINE Bayside Center, Coronado General Physicians in attendance 8am - 6pm Monday - Saturday Treatment of wounds & ulcers Diabetic foot problems Pediatricts Nutrition General & Cosmetic Dentistry Nephrology Orthodontics Call for an appointment 345-4622 345-4623 “Somos los expertos en el cuidado avanzado de su salud” “We are experts in advanced health care” When was the last time you dined in a small, quaint European restaurant in the town square? Ready to take a trip? Try Todo Sabor, the restaurant and pizzeria at the end of the park in San Carlos. Culinary works of art are the foods served in this tiny restaurant. A complimentary appetizer is usually served. You could nibble on bread with a thick, spongy crust topped with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and basil, or smoky roasted eggplant crowned with creamy cheese and garnished with parsley and a crouton. Salads are simple and fresh with a dressing reminiscent of my husband’s Italian youth. The chalkboard menu changes constantly, depending on the availability of ingredients and the creativity of Chef Alfredo. There usually is a soup of the day, several appetizer choices, many pasta selections, a beef, chicken and/or pork dish, and of course, fresh fish. When we asked Barbara (wife of the Chef) about fresh pasta, she brought out a tray with freshly made spinach lasagna noodles and fettuccine. We sampled two entrees: the potato gnocchi (also homemade), sizzling from the oven and adorned with a soft tomato sauce and mozzarella, and the freshly made tender pappardelle, which was tossed with a very light tomato/meat sauce. Sauces play an integral part in the eating of pasta and can mean the difference between a mediocre meal, and a gastronomic delight. These sauces are definitely in the latter category. The restaurant also serves various BUY. SELL. CONSIGN AUTOMOBILE SALES & SERVICE Repair, Buy, Sell & Consign Vehicles Tags, Titles & Insurance Located between Coronado & Gorgona 6045-3543 / 6232-6225 pizzas on a printed menu, which come in two sizes and are definitely Italian style, with different touches, such as a garnish with split-roasted habaneros. Prices are reasonable, with pizzas ranging from $7.50-$24.00, salads $8-$10.50, and entrees around the $10 range. Tea, coffee, soda and beer are $2, a glass of wine is $4.50, a bottle $12, and a $5 de-corkage fee. There is also a limited amount of hard liquor. Sometimes after dinner, Alfred and Barbara offer a taste of their liqueurs (and yes, they’re also made in-house). The liqueurs are similar to Italian limoncello. On this particular night, the offerings were mango, orange, or watermelon/chocolate, and the overall consensus at our table was the watermelon/chocolate. The two flavors together are incredible, and Barbara said they use a quality chocolate with a high cocoa content. The dessert we chose was different, as well. Ice cream with a balsamic vinegar sauce infused with pepper. The pairing of the vinegar with the pepper was delightful and unique. On a recent Saturday night, the restaurant was buzzing with energy and activity. All but one table was full, and there was a large group of 11 celebrating a birthday, but that proved no problem for Barbara, Alfredo, and their staff. Dishes came out steaming hot and in a reasonable amount of time. Both Alfredo and Barbara take the time to stop and chat at each table while taking care of everyone. This couple obviously has a passion for their restaurant and what they serve. They are creat ?????????????????????????????????)]????????????????????????????)???????????????????)Q????????????????????????????)???????????????Q?????)I??????????????????????????????????????????)Q???????????????????????????)!%9P??%??????????????????)????????????????M??????M??????)??????????M??? ?????????????????)????????????????e?ML??????)??????????????????????????????)?????????????????????Y????)?????%????? ????????????????)??????????????????????????)???????Q????e?????????????????????(???????)!??????????Q???)M???????????????????????????????????????????????M?????)M?????????????%?e?????????????)?????????????????????????????)???e????????????????%????????((