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Rita's Place - CLOSED
One review for Rita's Place
1 review in English
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Review from Don R.
Barrie, ON
6/30/2009
Rita's is a gem of an Italian restaurant in Barrie. Opening in a historically "restaurant killer" location in South Barrie that had seen a tapas restaurant, a seafood restaurant and at least one other non descript fail soon after opening required an exceptional dining experience to succeed. Rita's delivers.
I have only found one other restaurateur in Toronto who knows how to make a real pizza, and Enzo, (Rita's husband and chef) is the second. His pizzas are better than most I have had in Italy, but that is the minor part of what Enzo can deliver. The menu is subject to seasonal changes, with periodic "special" options. The hand made to order four cheese gnocchi has unfortunately spoiled my taste for just about every other gnocchi I have tried since, with the exception of perhaps Amercord in Vancouver. The phrase "melt in your mouth" aptly describes this delicacy. For the adventurous, make sure Enzo is in the kitchen (his absence is rare), and perhaps phone in advance requesting that he "off menu" a meal for you. I have had platters of black angus beef, lobster tails, crab legs along with numerous peppers and eggplant concoctions that exemplify true Italian cuisine - way too much delicious food for the average gourmand that just keeps on coming.
We have to keep this restaurant flourishing unlike it's unfortunate predecessors. Wine list not extensive, but a Zenato Ripassa goes with almost anything Italian. Had a Gattinara Travaglini there recently which was excellent of course.
Enzo and Rita surprised us recently with a Frank Sinatra imitator accompanied by a four piece orchestra, all of whom were surprisingly entertaining.
Cheers
