The Good Enuf Mommy

Eat Bocce: The Little Sister with a Bold Flavor

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If you’re familiar with the already immensely popular Mercato, Bocce is its more affordable yet equally decadent little sister. It’s a happening place – even midweek on a school night. Every time I have visited, it has always been packed to the brim!
Though it’s difficult to find a place that caters to everyone’s personal taste, Bocce does an amazing job of having a little something for everyone. It’s the kind of place you could easily take a date and impress the pants off of them with little effort. It’s also a place I would comfortably enjoy lunch with my toddler without feeling out of place. Bocce strikes the perfect balance between modern upscale and downhome comfort.
When you crack open the menu for the first time, fresh ingredients leap off the page, tempting you to try a little bit of everything. It’s probably best to attend with a friend or two so you can do just that.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a vendor I have chosen to work with. I have received either paid compensation and/or free product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own based only on my own experience.
A Sampling of Flavors
If there was one salad I had to have every day for the rest of my natural life it would be the Tallegio Friti Salad paired with the Livio Fellega “Sharis” Chardonnay-Ribolla Gialla. These greens are the stuff dreams are made of.

The aroma of the truffle vinaigrette greets you before it even meets your table. The tallegio cheese, encompassed by a crunchy outer crust, sits atop a bed of fresh kale, porcini croutons, and bresaola chips. It is the perfect blend of textures and rich flavor that easily make this one of the best salads I have ever enjoyed. The smooth and slightly sweet Chardonnay-Ribolla Gialla is the perfect compliment.

Pair It With: Livio Fellega “Sharis” Chardonnay-Ribolla Gialla

Other noteworthy appetizers include the Spicy Prawns and Fagioli and the iconic Beef and Veal Meatballs.
Pair It With: Planeta Chardonnay

The Spicy Prawns and Fagioli is another dish I would make a special trip back to enjoy again and again. Rich and buttery prawns on a bed of white beans and hot capicollo enhanced with a kick of made-in-house chili oil. It’s a must try.

The Beef and Veal Meatballs are the inspiration of Mama Cathy. If you’re unfamiliar with Mama Cathy, she is a bit of an institution around Bocce and Mercato. In fact, it is her traditional recipes that grace many of the pages of the menu. Her meatballs are classic Italian with the addition of a few modern touches including victor’s jalepenos and sun dried olives.

It doesn’t take long to discover that many of the regular patrons of Bocce are there for the pizza. Home to the largest Woodstone oven in Calgary, Bocce takes it’s pizza making seriously. Head Chef Grant Parry spent two days at Woodstone Headquarters (in California) training with master chef Frank Millard to perfect his take on the perfect pizza dough.


Pair It With: Rubrato Aglianico Feudi Di San Gregorio

Several interesting flavor combinations pique your interest as you scan the main dishes. We had the pleasure of trying the Boschetto; mortadella and semi-dried tomatoes generously layered upon a traditional Italian crust. This was then topped with a sprinkle of pistachios for added crunch. It’s a combination I would have never thought to put together but the outcome was remarkable.
Other favourites: Isola (think upscale ham and pineapple) or the Quattro Formaggi with an add on of Prosciutto (a flavor packed punch of four unique cheeses with a touch of rosemary honey)
Pair It With: Rubrato Aglianico Feudi Di San Gregorio
If you’re not in the mood for pizza, Bocce offers an excellent selection of unique interpretations of traditional Italian pasta. In the interest of full disclosure, I am not typically a fan of Spaghetti Bolognese. Bocce’s distinct version however was an exception. This blend of hearty beef and pancetta in a tomato sauce flavored with a hint of cinnamon is a dish I can easily stand behind. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a non-believer like me, this dish is worth a try.
Finally, we concluded our meal with an amaretto and Bocce’s famous Chocolate & Hazelnut Crespella. This dessert is not for the faint of heart. It features forno roasted crepes drizzled with decadent caramel and topped with velvety chocolate mouse, Nutella gelato and an olive oil cookie. I can’t make this stuff up! It was divine!

Also try the classic Tiramisu – vanilla panna cotta between layers of cocoa, pandoro, and whipped mascarpone.

Pair It With: DiMombaruzzo Amaretto: made from 100% almonds (no artificial flavors in sight)
Overall the food was exceptional. I can see why it’s popular with locals looking for something new and fresh. It’s one of the few places I’ve found where you could throw a dart at the menu and end up with something delicious every single time. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Have you tried Bocce yet? Leave a comment below! And if you like what you read don’t forget to click on the Top Mommy Blogs button to vote!

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Comments

  12. Nicci says

    Good thing I ate before I read your post, or else I would be driving to fix my Italian food crave. Those items sound delicious! Does Bocce have a location in Texas? The entrees you mentioned sound like a must try for a girl's night out.

    Reply

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