A Night Out with Friends in Collingwood

Last night we ventured into downtown Collingwood for dinner with friends.  They had been at Tesoro before and recommended it highly.  When we got to the parking lot our friends were surprised that there was not a line up at the restaurant's door.  TESORO is a quaint Italian cucina tucked into the rustic back alley of downtown Collingwood; a fellow blogger says that Tesoro is "One of Collingwood's Top 11 restaurants".

Bruce and Jane were not wrong at all; when we entered the restaurant through the filled to capacity patio area, we were told that the dinner seating was fully booked with reservations.  Sorry.  Darn.  We started walking away to find "plan b" when the hostess chased us into the lot and told us a party had downsized and we could have their extra table.  Awesome - back in we went to a lovey private corner table overlooking the back patio area.

The friendly server brought us lemon water and a basket of freshly baked Italian bread.  Bruce ordered a bottle of wine and we perused the menu.  When the wine was poured (in typical rustic Italian-style wine glasses - what we might use for juice or a glass of milk) we toasted a gathering of friends and good food.

There were two menus:  one with appetizers, salads and pizzas and one with entrees - the wine/drink list and dessert menu are provided separately as well.

We ordered a selection of salads to start:  caprese (traditional with a twist); warm funghi (lovely oyster mushrooms, parmesan and arugula) and a mixed greens (a fresh tossed mix).

The entrees were varied.  Jane ordered a Canneloni Ricotta bake (minus the extra cheese)

Rudy and I shared the Penne Arabiata with hot Italian sausage which did not disappoint - penne al dente with a spicy (just enough heat) and flavourful sauce.

 

Bruce had a vegetarian pizza which I tasted and it was garlicy delicious.
We capped off the meal with a molten chocolate cake (I think mine are better - just saying) and coffees.  The coffees were one of the highlights of the meal for me.  I'm sorry that I added cream.  The coffee was rich, freshly brewed almost thick with a not-bitter mellow yet strong roast flavour.  Loved it.

What a delightful way to spend a few hours ... good food and friends.  Thanks Tesoro and thanks Bruce and Jane for introducing us to Tesoro ... I think we'll be good friends!