Cafes
Artfully Delectable Dessert at Corso Italia's, Novecento
Having heard such great things about Novecento, a European-style corner cafe along St Clair's, Corso Italia, I decided to put it to the real test by bringing a local area expert along on this visit: my Tuscan mother. She's pickier than I often have the patience for, loves fine desserts and is known for responding to, "So, how do you like it?" by telling it like it is.
So then, we start with a cappuccino ($3.45) and cafe Americano ($2.50) before trying to decide between cake and gelato.
Charming owner and gelato-master, Cesare, shows us the cake selection and then proceeds to tell us about the wintery gelato flavours he's just finished: Hazelnut, Chestnut and Dried Fig. Hearing that each is made in-house with all-natural ingredients, we're sold. We do the only reasonable thing and order both cake AND gelato.
Moments later we're presented with 2 festively-dressed scoops of Chestnut and Dried Fig gelato ($7). Both are amazing, delicious, and unforgettable. The authenticity of the ingredients is obvious as each gelato has a distinctly natural flavour and subtle texture to it. I particularly love the fig and have to ask Cesare where he schooled in the art of gelato making. He proudly admits he learned everything hands-on while working hard in a friend's gelateria in his native Rome.
Admist the silence of some intense gelato-enjoying, I get a call from a colleague who's in the area. Within minutes, she's seated at our table and awaiting one "Cafe Shekerato" -- a Novecento specialty made of blended hazelnut ice cream, Bailey's, Kahlua and a shot of espresso.
Though I'm not usually one for creamy drinks, she insists I try some and it seems no surprise to anyone that I'm reluctant to pass it back to her. Another artfully created offering from Cesare, it's thick, yet smooth, no one ingredient overpowering the others.
But, let's not forget those cakes ($7). Most are imported treats from patisseries in Italy and I go for one of those: a Frutti di Bosco (wildberry) tart, covered with loose wild-berries and dusted with sugar. It is as light as it sounds and a nice contrast to my bold cup of unsweetened cafe Americano.
The Tiramisu looks tempting, but mother-dearest decides to try its more complex cousin, the Tartufata - a layer cake featuring puff pastry, chantilly cream, sponge cake and pastry cream, topped with a delicate dark chocolate ripple.
"Che meraviglia," she proclaims, at first bite.
Marvellous; an absolute wonder.
Discussion
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CIAO A TUTTI!
Domenico
I heard some good things about this cafe. It was not what I expected to be honest.
Yes, the ambiance was nice but I was not approached with a smile .It was something about the Barista that was not passionate. I lived in Italy for many years and traveled around the world . I had never had any problems . The Barista ( Carlo ) thought he was the shit. With his dirty Italian accent answers is such a shame. because now I think about there coffee just the same.
Suggestions- live jazz music, Change the Barista , Get a charming host, simple menu,
Food Thieves
Last night, we went again after all that time. We sat at a table that required some cleanup (patrons had just left). The waiter, an older bearded man with a hat, took the ashtray and litter... and threw it on the side street! My boyfriend asked him "You ditched the stuff on the street, didn't you?" The waiter replied that he would clean it up tomorrow. He didn't seem too embarrased. We were so disgusted, we left.
Although we had enjoyed ourselves there (anniversary, friendships), Novencento is over for us.
an older man who works there, who i believe might be one of the owners.. his name was Phillip was extremely kind, and brought our 10 yr old a free Gelato!! good service
I think you should advise on the source. who is persuading you to write this information above.
All the best,
FoodThief
Cheers,
Foodthief
...some fresh faces, and most of the old one are gone.. in with the new, out with the dirty
tried some feature flavour, blood-orange mango (they called it Pink Mango) and it was incredible! unfortunately, the rest of the gelato needed some CPR. I asked about the other gelato, and the cafe guy explained that the featured flavour was made by a new girl.
they should have this new girl make all of the gelato!
however, the espresso was still awesome.
Novecento - keep it up! We're excited to be a part of the "new" - can't wait to try next week's feature flavour...YUM
Mouth but this cafe is a great spot. Good espresso and a good atmosphere with the new. Phil an owner makes me laugh hahhaaha
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