The sights and flavours of Italy will soon be found tucked away in the heart of Yorkville. Inspired by regular visits to Italy, local shop owner Gianni Salvati (of Salvati Fashions) is set on bringing the culture, food and ambience of Italian cafés to Toronto with Caffé Bacio.
Salvati wants to emulate the friendliness he saw between patrons and shop owners in the motherland. Located at 95 Cumberland Street, where Salvati Fashions was previously located, Caffé Bacio is set to open in October.
As a reflection of its name (bacio translates to kiss), images of famous kisses will adorn the interior walls of the café. Many of the fixtures in the venue will be imported from Italy, including the bar. Made by ISA in Perugia, Italy, the dark wood finish and vintage style will compliment the ‘50s-style amber-white Murano glass chandeliers, designed by Vistosi.
The Italian feel of the café extends from the decor into the menu options: the café will use a Faema espresso machine and imported coffee from Italian coffee-giant Lavazza.
The menu will offer a variety of paninis (from $12-$14) and pizzas (from $14 to $18). Panini options could include roasted chicken with roasted peppers and goat cheese; porchetta with caramelized onions and orange-infused oil; or a vegetarian panini with roasted peppers, zucchini, eggplant, fortina cheese and a basil pesto sauce.
Pizzas will be cooked in a Moretti stone pizza oven from Italy (of course) using pizza dough prepared several days in advance — a process rarely used by pizzaiolos in Canada — to allow for better levitation in the dough. Several pizza varieties will be offered, including a pizza bianche with potato, caramelized onion and truffle oil, a margherita pizza with basil, tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella from Campania, Italy, or a pizza with sautéed mushrooms, fresh buffalo mozzarella and truffle oil.
While Caffé Bacio will be replacing the long-standing Salvati Fashions, clients of the popular menswear designer store need not worry. Salvati Fashions will still be operating from a local showroom by appointment. (Salvati Fashions, 301-1240 Bay St., 416-961-3309).
In the meantime, it’s time to indulge in some porchetta.
Caffé Bacio, 95 Cumberland St.