Villaggio Bakery, a local European style bakery in
Fisher’s Landing, has just added five appetizers, called “Tapas” or
little appetizers, to its menu. As flavorful as they are beautiful the
five Tapas offerings bring a distinctive European authenticity that will
satisfy mid-afternoon cravings. They also make an excellent light lunch.
The Tapas offerings are:
Moroccan Dry-Cured Black Olives seasoned with Herbs de Provence
accompanied by Roasted Tomatoes in a delicate marinade of extra-virgin
olive oil, garlic and sweet basil.
Greek Olive Mix served with extra-virgin olive oil. Fresh Mozarella
Balls & Peppadew Sweet Piquante Peppers (a South African pepper with a
distinctive sweet/hot/spicy flavor). Red Kardoula Peppers stuffed with
Greek Feta Cheese accompanied by Gigande Spread with Roasted Eggplant.
Creamy Bleu Cheese Wedge with Organic Fig Spread served with a flaky
croissant. All plates, except for the Bleu Cheese Wedge, are served with
Villaggio’s own baked Panino rolls, and seasoned with olive oil and sea
salt.
Villaggio’s owners, Stan and Nyla Wilson, said the Tapas offering gives
people another alternative to fast food and provide the aura of Europe’s
delights.
“Tapas makes a nice light afternoon snack to hold you
over until dinner,” said Stan. “In Mediterranean countries, they eat
dinner after dark so these light meals make sense.”
Nyla adds: “We’ve selected items that are healthy,
genuine and made from the highest quality – and all these new products
are imported from Europe. They’re just a nice alternative to regular
meals.”
All of the Tapas plates have great, vibrant flavor. The Peppadew Sweet
Piquante Peppers that accompany the Mozarella Balls are very flavorful
and offer sweetness with just the right bite. The Creamy Bleu Cheese
Wedge with the Organic Fig Spread appeared to be quite unusual, and it
is, but it’s a superb combination of flavors. The aged cheese is a
perfect match with the sweetness of the Fig Spread. It’s excellent.
Go ahead and give one of these plates a try. Prices range
from $5 to $8 and the dishes are worth every dollar. Villaggio Bakery is
located at 3200 SE 164th Avenue, Suite 222 in Vancouver, near Bacchus
Restaurant. (360)256-6706