Sometimes, I just want really good food. Yes, I can go to a chain restaurant and have an enjoyable meal. And yes, my mom isn’t a terrible cook. But I think nearly all of us would not be fulfilled without the occasional culinary splurge.
Even though my latest outing to LeVilla was only my second time there, the restaurant definitely qualifies as a place I would repeatedly go for that culinary indulgence.
There are now two locations, one in the west near the Sunterra in Signal Hill, and one downtown on 4th street. I’ve only been to the west one, but I can say with confidence that any food from LeVilla is worthwhile.
The food could be terrible and yet LeVilla would still be a nice place, because the a) environment, and b) service, are both top notch. If you’re looking for casual and quick, this is NOT the place to go. But if you’re looking for a classy yet comfortable dinner, this IS the place to go.
Choosing what to eat was like choosing a favourite friend or parent, but then again, all the choices would be good, so… no pressure. I decided on the Stuffed Chicken Breast, wrapped in proscuitto and stuffed with mascarpone and wild mushrooms, which came with potatoes and fresh veggies. As you can see in the picture, the food presentation alone was spectacular. The joy of seeing a plate like that coming to me is one Subway or Boston Pizza will never reach.
Veggies have the stereotype of being dislikable. Well these fresh cooked vegetables dare to defy that standard. Sure, the serving wasn’t huge, but there was an array of different veggies, all delicately cooked and then arranged. The chicken was the most desirable combination of moisture, flavour, and texture. The stuffing provided richness and a sharp burst of flavour, while the proscuitto wrapping was slightly chewy but not at all fatty like bacon. If I had to say anything negative, it would be that the potatoes didn’t quite match the perfection of the rest of the meal. However, to sum it up, I’d say this dish was bliss.
Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Since I was dining with both my parents, we ordered two desserts to share.
Ice cream, gelato, sorbet; they’re all delicious. But the mango sorbet here was in a league of it’s own. Imagine a mango being turned into a creamy form and then chilled. Then there was the chocolate mousse tower. A.k.a. a chocolate shell surrounding decadent yet light Callebaut chocolate mousse, complimented by a flavourful wild berry compote.
I can say without a doubt that I WILL be returning to LeVilla again. Yes, the prices make it more suitable for special occasions or indulgences, but trust me, it’s worth the splurge. The question isn’t if you should go. The question is when you should go.
