Meeting Eataly

Three years ago, news broke out that my Italian foodie dreamworld, Eataly, will finally open a Toronto location in 2019. My friends and I cheered! Why did it take so long for it to arrive in our multicultural city? Eataly already has locations all over the world.

Eataly Flatiron, NYC, 2015

During a trip to NYC in 2015, my friends introduced me to the world of Eataly. I fell in love. Not only did I pick my mix of Venchi chocolates for the first time, I had a delicious plate of pasta. I don’t remember everything about the Flatiron location other than wishing we had something of the same in Toronto. This Italian food experience of fresh produce, eateries within, and a wide variety of eye-catching goods to take home opened my eyes and tastebuds.

Eataly Toronto, Toronto, 2019

It’s a rainy December’s day, but the aggressive fall of raindrops don’t stop us. My friend and I are determined to meet Eataly Toronto. She knows the way through PATH, Toronto’s underground pedestrian system. She leads us through Birroteca, a brewery where you can enjoy a drink with friends or buy some for later. On the next floor, Il Gran Caffé is a cozy cafe for those wanting something small and delightful. We rise to the top floor where the rest of Eataly resides. We are in love with what Eataly has to offer. Our wandering eyes meet aisles of tomatoes, festively wrapped panettone, pasta, olive oil tasting bar, chocolate, coffee, and so much more. We part ways to browse on our own, then text each other to meet in the cheese section.

I insist we visit Venchi, my favourite chocolate brand from Italy. The chocolates shine in bright, metallic wrapping fit for the holiday season, or any season. I reminisce about my time in Verona and Milan in 2016 for these “chocaviar” pieces.

I grab a giftable bag for myself and fill it generously. The artisan weighs my bag and rings up about $50. I have no time to think about cost; I tap my card knowing that these chocolates are worth it. My friend pays for her bag as well. I’m relieved she has the same taste in treats as I do.

We spot our lunch restaurant La Pizza & La Pasta with a short line. We’re lucky! A table for two opens up for us without a wait. An aperol spritz is in order. My friend and I discuss the menu and make our choices – we each order the tagliatelle. She also orders an arugula salad. Fresh bread arrives as we wait for it’s partner-in-crime, olive oil. Tables around us order a variety of pasta and pizzas. Everyone is enamoured in conversation and their meals. We are in no rush either. The whole place is buzzing with holiday vibes. The snow is falling in place of the harsh rainfall an hour earlier.

After lunch, a freshly baked tray of bombolinis passes us by. We ooh and ahh and line up. The baker injects pastry cream inside a bombolini and its won our hearts. Two bombolinis and two cannolis for my friend. Four bombolinis for me.

We leave Eataly knowing we will return again. My friend wonders if the energy for this place will continue and I wonder the same. Will the hype live on? Or will it slow to a steady pace after a few months? I just hope it never fades.