Imagine, if you would, that you’re in Italy. Let’s say Milan.
You walk into a bar owned by a gorgeous Italian woman and her equally gorgeous daughter. They’re chatting and laughing with their customers and passing around homemade lemon cookies that a relative brought in. The modus operandi: Everyone – owners included – is happier with a glass of vino.
Except this isn’t in Italy. These are Calgarians and this is in Victoria Park.
Owned by the Italian mother-daughter team Sylvie and Leah Berti, Zia’s Enoteca is a lovely little wine bar that just opened on 11th Avenue. The space is contemporary yet cozy, and the concept is simple: international wines that are a bit off-the-beaten-path, paired with small plates of classic Italian fare.
Glasses run $6-15, bottles are between $40-95. We loved the Biodynamic Flight of three organic wines ($17), and on the food front, we’ll vouch for the olive/sundried tomato tapenade on crostini ($8), the caprese salad ($8) and the pizza margherita ($9).
And the homemade lemon cookies (free).
Zia’s Enoteca
www.zias.ca
425 11 Ave. S.E.
403-984-429
If you thought that was sweet, you’ll enjoy: