ITALIAN TOMATO – 8380 Bridgeport Rd, Richmond, BC, Canada (604) 247-0040

PRICE: $15-$30

Running a marathon and eating at the Italian Tomato, while on the surface may appear to be two completely different things, are quite actually one and the same in my experience.  Running several city blocks taxes the mind, body, and soul.  Trying to finish a single pasta entrée at the Italian Tomato taxes the mind, body, and soul.  Completing the first few kilometers in a run feels like a milestone. Realizing that you’ve eaten all the olive toppings on your entrée feels like a milestone.   Both running a marathon and eating at the Italian Tomato push you to your limit.  And finally, completing both of these activities gives you that same sense of accomplishment and self-importance.

The only thing is, I’m not feeling that sense of accomplishment, nor that sense of importance right now.

I’m sitting in my chair, and I’ve barely had anything to eat all day.  I’m really just about ready pass out from over-eating.  I’ve realized that having almost nothing to eat the whole day has made my stomach contract to the size of a walnut.  Shocking my system with this rich and creamy Italian food is probably the stupidest way to break my fast.  I’m running the first block of the marathon, and I’m already fainting.

Fortunately, what makes me keep on going despite the judgmental stares of my compatriots is the fact that I LOVE spaghetti.  I’m looking around at the folks at my table, and they’re all giving me looks that read: ‘This guy just can’t eat.  He can’t fight the good fight.’  They’re all looking at me to see if I’m game enough to finish my massive plate of pasta, as well as the other sampled servings that they have kindly offered me.  I glare back at them challengingly.  You just watch me.

First I sample some of the Ravioli with Portofino Sauce.  The Sundried Tomatoes and Pesto swim in Tomato Sauce, providing a primarily sour overtone to the dish.  The Sauce is thick and has the consistency of a Stew.  The Pasta is well cooked and the stuffing of the Ravioli adds a cheesy zing to each bite.  This sample is finished.

“They’re all looking at me to see if I’m game enough to finish my massive plate of pasta, as well as the other sampled servings that they have kindly offered me.  I glare back at them challengingly.  You just watch me.”

All’ Emeiliana has spicy Italian Sausages dancing atop of a Saucy stage of Bacon, Tomatoes, Basil, Black Olives, Feta Cheese, Garlic Olive Oil and Clear White Wine Sauce.  Linguine serves as the Pasta underneath.  Despite the abundance of ingredients the overall taste has a nice balance that allows space for each ingredient to breathe a little bit.  Sample finished.

Finally I start working on the dish that I actually ordered.  Linguine Pasta topped off with a traditional Alfredo Cream Sauce.  Some pass judgmental remarks on the ‘simplicity’ of my order, but I shrug it off.  Hey, always gotta go back to the classics, baby.  I dig in.  The creamy Alfredo Sauce offers a pleasant, consistent texture.  The lightly savoury shades of Cheese dance pleasantly in my palette.  This sample is not finished…not yet…I hope.

Now fast forward ten minutes.

“….uhhh…so full….”

I’m probably at the 2/3 mark of the marathon.  I’m just about to pass out.

Now five more minutes.

“…UHghguH”

I can’t even pronounce words.

Now three more minutes.

I tap out.  You just can’t win a marathon when you’re racing against the Italian Tomato.

Judgmental grins line my table.  I glare back anyway.