Giving The Gift Of Alcohol

Christmas is only a few days away and if you're still a little behind on the gifting, we've got the how and the who of giving the simple gift of alcohol.

Giving to...

Your Boss
Don't give something cheap or generic. Find out what your boss likes.

Your Holiday Host/Hostess
Don't bring a bottle that you expect to be opened. Just because you bring the bottle doesn't mean they have to serve it. Stumped? Sparkling Wine is an easy celebratory gift that most people won't have in their stock shelf.

Your Father-in-LawDon't bring just any old bottle of wine or liquor you grabbed off the shelf. Put thought and dollars behind it.Bring a well-thought-out bottle of single malt Scotch, or  a high-end liquor he is fond of.

The Friend You Forgot

Don't give them something off the wall that isn't quality. Do give them something quirky and unusual, and really good at the same time.

The History of The Pizza Pie

Pizza has become North America's favourite food over the past 50 years. Million of pizza pies are eaten daily, but how often do you stop to consider the history within your hands.

Many believe Italians invented the pizza, however its origins go back to the ancient times.Babylonians, Israelites, Egyptians and other ancient Middle Eastern cultures were eating flat bread that had been cooked in mud ovens and topped with olive oil and spice.

AboutPizza.com explains....
"The lower class of the Naples, Italy is believed to have created pizza in a more familiar fashion. In the late 1800s a Italian baker named Raffaele Esposito, was believed to have created a dish for visiting royalty. According to the story, the Italian monarch King Umberto and his consort, Queen Margherita were touring the area. In order to impress them and to show his patriotic fervor Raffaele chose to top flat bread with food that would best represent the colors of Italy: red tomato, white mozzarella cheese and green basil. The king and queen were so impressed that word quickly reached the masses. The end results were that the dish was well received to the extent that others began to copy it."

In 1900's pizza, thanks to Italian immigrants pizza had made it's way in to North America,striving in cities like New York and Chicago due to large Italian populations.

Today pizza has become a common North American cuisine and multi-billion dollar corporation.

HAPPY PIZZA PIE!

Regional food and wine in Italy

Italy is famous for it's boot shape, but what we fail to know is that there are different regions in Italy that are famous for decadent food and wine.  Curious?

The typical Italian food North Americans are accustomed to hails from the central regions of Italy such as the rich tomato sauces and spaghetti, just to name a few. There are a total of 20 regions in Italy, and each of the regions have their own delicacies. Nicolino's would like to help you explore a few.

Northern Italy 

Lombardy

Located in Northern Italy, rice and polenta , butter and lard are more commonly used rather than the traditional Olive Oil we're all accustomed to hearing here in Canada. Cheeses and meat are eaten extensively in this region.

This region being the home of the best restaurants in Italy, it is no wonder that it is home of some of the richest red wines.

Central Italy 

Emilia-Romagna

If you've ever wondered what region of Italy the famous Parmigiano Reggiano was the most popular, this is it. Other foods you may recognize: tortellini, bolognese sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Just like Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna's population are meat lovers, you may recognize the salty meat called proscuitto di Parma. It was created in this region.

Tuscany

Olive oil is produced in Tuscany and, once again, meat dishes. Giant baked bread is this regions pride and joy, they crumble it in a salad combined with tomatoes, onions, and basil.

We notice thus far a pattern of meat loving regions in Italy.

Wines have regions within regions. Tuscany, for instance, specializes in light white wines made near the town of Gimignano

Lazio

Its capital city, Rome, is located on the west coast of central Italy. We know artichokes, fresh and dry pasta, and bruschetta is, and now we know where they come from.

Southern Italy

Campania

We've heard of its capital city, Naples. Did you know that this region is famous for its pizzas and calzones? One of the reasons this region produces the best pizza, it has rich volcanic soil that grows tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and salad greens.

Wine is fascinating in this region, but it's not a tourist's attraction.

Sicily

This region is located just off the toe of Italy and is an island on the Mediterranean sea. Just like Campania, this region has rich volcanic soil but produces blood oranges, almonds, and olives. This region claimed the 'meatball' because there's an abundance of lamb, veal, and rabbit. That's right, rabbit. Pork is also incorporated into this meatball called polpetti.

This and many other regions in Italy have their own specialties in food and wine, discover the love of food with just a click of the mouse.

The country is adorned by beautiful churches, lush greenery, hills, and pretty towns and villages. Grapes, for the production of wine, is grown throughout the country.

We haven't touched on all regions within the northern, central, and southern regions of Italy; however, we felt it was most important to discuss the uniqueness of the Italian foods we consume regularly.

Related links - www.lifeinitaly.com/food

The Real Italian Treatment

Check out our video and see for yourself what Nicolinos is all about!

Everyone loves Italian food. You don't need to be a foodie to appreciate it. Celebrate a cuisine that has won over the taste buds of the world and get the real Italian treatment. At Nicolino's we are all family so come in sit down and let us introduce ourselves!

 "We take pride in our food, as everything is made in house using the freshest of ingredients, with our Chef continually creating innovative dishes just for you" - Nick Zifarelli, Owner         

Nicolinos is ideal for functions,reunions, parties and receptions. We can accommodate all parties large or small! Our lounge (The Orbit Room) transforms perfectly from a casual cocktail lounge \to a full scale dining room. For  slightly small events or business luncheon, our private dining room can accommodate 14 guests.

Want to host the party in the comfort of your own home? We'll create a menu to "wow" your guests while you enjoy the party!  

So whether it's a private party, cater-worthy event or just a night out on the town, Nicolino's will make it an occasion you will never forget. Let us spoil you! Check out our Facebook page to find out more!

Table Manners

Table manners, it's the basic of the basic but you'd be surprised how many people just don't know. So here are some of the common things we see...

Napkins
Be it cloth or paper, as soon as you are seated, remove the napkin from your place setting, unfold it, and put it in your lap.
Never shake it open or dust it off. It is not a tissue. Don't polish your cutlery, if it's stained simply ask for a new one (politely).
Keep the napkin in your lap until everyone has finished thier meal.
Food Arrival

Wait until everyone at your table has received their food before beginning to eat

Cutlery Use

Golden Rule: "Eat to your left, drink to your right. Any food dish to the left is yours, and any glass to the right is yours."

When it come to cutlery, work your way in from the outsides. The salad fork is on your far left, next comes your dinner fork. Your soup spoon is on the far right, next comes your beverage spoon, salad knife and dinner knife.

Table Manners

Don't forget "please" and "thank you" when making a request and receiving it or when your plates are cleared.
When sharing dishes like appetizer, salads or even breads and butters transfer to your own side plates before eating.
Never reach across a table. Tap the person next to you or politely wait til they have finished a bite or conversation before asking.
Do NOT talk with food in your mouth or chew with your mouth open. Cut food into small bite-sizes.
Don't blow on your food to cool it off. If it is too hot to eat, wait until it cools.
Don't wave cutlery in the midst of a conversation. The cutlery should only leave it's place on the table to put food in your mouth.
Keep elbows off the table.
Turn off your cell phone. Never answer a call during dinner. Excuse yourself if need be.
The Bill

If you require separate bills and are dining with a group (2 or more) tell the server before you order so that the process is simplified later.Remember, the total price of your bill on which you will tip on is the price before any coupons, gift certificates, etc.

Happy dining everyone!

Pesto The Besto

Pesto is an amazing ingredient as it can drastically change the taste and texture of dishes while adding a little punch of flavour! 


Here is how you can make your own pesto...

2 full cups of basil leaves

A hand full grated Parmesan

A half hand full pine nuts

1 clove of garlic

A pinch of salt, and pepper

A drizzle of olive oil

Blend away until the consistency is right for your palette! Now that you have it what can you use it for? We at Nicolino's say get creative but if you need a little help getting the ball rolling here are some ideas...

Pesto Pizza

Spread it to replace the regular pizza sauce or drizzle it on your favourite! (We like it with feta cheese and shrimp pizza!)

Dip it

Blend it with a sour cream or drizzle as is on top of nachos for a refreshing accompaniment to your favourite snack!

Stirred it into a plain pasta

After boiling some plain pasta, dice up some garlic, red peppers and seer with oil olive. Add in pesto upon plating and experience a different type of pasta.

Sandwich Spread

Mix pesto with mayonnaise or if you don't mind the stronger flavour leave it as is and add to your favourite sandwich. (We like grilled chicken, tomato and mozza!)

Experience Nicolino's & The Orbit Room

At Nicolino's we've enjoyed over 20 years of business serving our customers.  We take pride in our food, as everything is made in house using the freshest of ingredients. We specialize in classic Italian rustic fare and our Chef continually creates innovative dishes just for you. .

Come and meet Nick Zifarelli the owner, and join us in Nicolino's Restaurant or relax in our lounge, The Orbit Room.

Meet Nick the owner