{"id":7400,"date":"2019-06-04T13:56:58","date_gmt":"2019-06-04T13:56:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelandhale.com\/wordpress\/?p=7400"},"modified":"2019-06-04T14:12:58","modified_gmt":"2019-06-04T14:12:58","slug":"quattro-gati-amsterdam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lelandhale.com\/wordpress\/quattro-gati-amsterdam\/","title":{"rendered":"Quattro Gati, Amsterdam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Quattro\"\/
Quattro Gati (Four Cats), Amsterdam pasticceria
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Quattro\"\/
Quattro Gati, street view. Note the cauliflower in the pot.
And the window sign. In Italian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/em>. They only do pasta<\/em>. Pasta from scratch. Pasta with love. Pasta that takes a little extra time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Quattro\"\/
NO PIZZA, but Campari and Limoncello on the top shelf.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Quattro\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Quattro\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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