I never used to consider myself a coupon user. It wasn’t until sites like groupon came out that I really took advantage of money saving opportunities. I have purchased them for oil changes, fishing trips and restaurants for substantial discounts. I would much prefer this instead of clipping coupons for .50 cents on toilet bowl cleaner, I never really understood that. My latest purchase was for Il Corsaro Pasta bar located at 22370 Dewdney Trunk Road, in Maple Ridge. This is a small family owned business tucked away on one of our main streets in Maple Ridge.

J made a reservation a head of time even though we went on a Thursday evening. In our case it probably wasn’t needed but I would suggest doing this if you plan on making the trip. The restaurant is quite small so I would imagine it would fill up fast. The atmosphere is laid back but could easily be romantic as well with dark terrs-cotta walls and wrought iron fixtures. We were greeted right away and the service continued to be top notch throughout our entire visit.

Within 5 minutes of ordering our food a small basket of goodness arrived at our table. Fresh warm buns are the perfect way to get your taste buds ready for a delicious meal, while sipping on wine.

 

 

Normally when I order dinner and have the option of soup or salad, I always go for the salad. I like the refreshing crunch of the lettuce with a tangy vinaigrette. I am also really fussy when it comes to soups so I generally just stay away since most of the time they remind me of condensed Campbells. This time however the server insisted one of us get the soup. She promised we would love it and I would think it would be silly not to listen to the restaurants suggestion.

 

 

 

I am so glad she mentioned the straciatella soup because it was phenomenal. I would go back in an instant just to have more of this soup! Full of garlic and finely chopped vegetables with a taste that I can’t even explain. The broth was also robust with flavor as well. It’s a must!

Being that they’re a pasta bar naturally you have to order pasta. They do have a salad selection but I pretty much skipped over that part. You could pick an item in their “carne” section (meat) which comes with pasta, or could can pick a pasta and a sauce of your choice and call it a day. You’re even able to add meatballs, shrimp or sausage to any of your pasta combinations. I decided on the pasta of the day, which was fresh mussels in a white wine garlic red sauce with sundried tomatoes and olives.

 

 

The mussels on my pasta were so fresh, plump and delicious. The pasta was amazing too and this sauce tastes like it was traditional and passed down from a loving mother. It’s amazing how simple ingredients and pasta can turn into something spectacular. I loved biting into bits of mouth watering sun dried tomatoes and having the briny olives as well. Such a delicious dish.

J ordered the fettuccini carbonara which is a cream based sauce with garlic and bacon. I am used to having my carbonara with an egg base, lots of pepper and loaded with parmesan but just because it’s different doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. I would think that using the raw egg version might not be a favorable method with the general public. I would also think that passed down recipes also have changed over the years as well. Il Corsaro’s version was great. The chunks of bacon were plentiful but also not overpowering either and I know J loved it too based on his lack of conversation when the food arrived. This is a creamy pasta lovers dream.

 

 

Neither J nor I had room for dessert and with our plates still half full we opted to take the rest home and pass out on the couch with a major food coma. Before we left we were talking to our server who happens to be part of the family of this family owned restaurant. She informed us that everything is made to order and is as fresh as possible. They also don’t even have a freezer and opt to buy everything daily. I know I could certainly tell that it was amazingly fresh and not only was the food great but it also had a real family feel. The service was excellent you could see lots of regulars coming in as well which bring the atmosphere to the next level. I would definitely come back!