At the end of a longish vacation filled with the rich sauces for which the French are justifiably famed, a little comfort food is welcome. For Lorrie and me that often means Italian. Which brings us to Quattro Gati in Amsterdam.
As is the case through much of Europe, there are many Italian expats who’ve found a small space they can transform into a little bit of Italy. Knowing that, I’m always on the lookout. The first pass gave us a glimpse. Yes, it was a piece of Italy.
We had other choices for Italian in Amsterdam, a city with many food options (including the famed rijstaffel or “rice table”). Not this day. Quattro Gati beckoned. Now if only I could find it again…
Yes. There is was. I smiled as a perused the many signs on the door. Not only was it “Open,” it was OPEN. Toilet for customers only. NO PIZZA. Of course not. This is a pasticceria. They only do pasta. Pasta from scratch. Pasta with love. Pasta that takes a little extra time.
Inside, there was a group of Americans, already seated. Not always a good sign. But they openly raved about the food. And the smells emanating from the kitchen were extraordinary. Our waitress, in her Italian-flavored English, pointed us toward two specialties. Why not? Lorrie ordered the pappardelle with white Bolognese, asparagus and black truffle.
I ordered the “sheet” ravioli filled with sausage, topped with fresh herbs and tomatoes, then bathed in a butter sauce. Ok, I admit it. I was still going through French food withdrawal.
The food at Quattro Gati amazed and delighted us. And there was just enough butter to get me home. And now for a little video of that black truffle being shaved onto Lorrie’s pasta… Whoa!