After wanting to try Tzin for ages I finally got there on a Thursday evening in late November. It was wonderful - excellent food and ambience. Though my first visit was long overdue I made my second visit there last week. It was a last minute plan but I was able to book a reservation on their website as two parties that arrived after us were told there were no tables available.
The ambience is warm and inviting and our server made us feel right at home (if I could cook this beautifully). I recommended the mushroom and spinach tart (which I had enjoyed on my first visit) to my companion which she ordered and thoroughly enjoyed. I opted for the pork loin with warm potato salad which I also enjoyed. When we were asked if we'd like dessert my friend went with the flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sorbet and I - well I decided to get the mushroom tart as my dessert! Though the pork was lovely I remembered just how good the tart was and had to partake of it as well.
Tzin offers fine food and focuses on using local ingredients when possible. Tapas style (non- foodie translation: small plates) allows you to try a few things if you're up for it. It's a great spot to meet a friend for intimate conversation. I do recommend booking ahead as it is a small space (probably less than 20 seats). I hope to return often!
I needed a place to dine in Sherwood Park so I checked Urbanspoon out.. stumbling upon Forza I noted mostly positive reviews and decided to try it out. I booked a table using the Urbanspoon reservation system - and that was that, a table for 3 at 6:30 on a Saturday night.
We arrived to an almost empty dining room and were seated quickly. There was a small but satisfactory selection of wines to choose from. Espresso beverages are also available as well as sparkling San Pellegrino juices and bottled flat and mineral waters. We ordered drinks and were given a brief explanation of how the menu was set up. Like other trattorias I have visited the menu is as follows: a listing of all the pastas available and a listing of all the sauces available. For example you can order pappardelle in a rose sauce or ricotta ravioli in alfredo sauce. There are also a few salads and an egg drop, zucchini and spinach soup available as starters.
I opted for fettuccine alfredo and added chicken. One of my friends ordered ricotta ravioli with alfredo sauce and the other ordered gnocchi with gorgonzola and spinach sauce (pictured).
We were all very happy with our choices - the gnocchi being the all-round favourite. I highly recommend Forza for a casual, no- stress dining situation. Great for a meal with friends, family or even a date. I am sure to visit Forza! again soon.
