Growing up, our parents always felt we talked too much (if they could only hear us now). “Hush up and eat your food” was a popular refrain at mealtimes.
The creators of Little Italy’s newest restaurant, Zitto e Mangia (translation: Shut Up and Eat), undoubtedly shared this experience—and are recreating it via chef Sarai Broccoli’s Latin American and Italian fusion cuisine. A mere bite of the ricotta and spinach empanada ($3) from their lunch menu and we knew dinner reservations were a must.
Our meal began with delectable Pupusa ($2.50), a tortilla pocket stuffed with pork and cheese topped with coleslaw and tasty tomato sauce. Next came a rainbow of colours with the Casmiento plate ($12): A perfectly grilled chicken breast served on a bed of rice and kidney beans, finished off with two homemade pestos (arugula and sun-dried tomato). Simply divine.
There was total silence after the first bite of dessert (our parents would’ve been so proud). The Pastelito de Piña ($2.50), a sugar-sprinkled pastry filled with sweet pineapples and the Platanos en Gloria ($5), baked caramelized plantains served with vanilla ice cream, were to die for.
This is one time we will happily zitto and eat.
Zitto e Mangia
www.zittoemangia.com
6660 Clark
514-544-9397
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