Being huge Da Leonardo fans, located at the time on Marquette Street, we wondered what could possibly have replaced it there. We have found that this is the Lupa and that there is a story attached to this restaurant. In fact, there are more than 50 years that the Beltrano family and the Italian food lovers have an affair, first under the name of Casa Chirico. Subsequently, the Casa and Lupa found themselves under the same roof on Marquette Street.
Compared to former Da Leonardo’s decor, the Beltrano family has modernized the place, changing among other the old wood floors while maintaining a certain architectural style. In the part where we were sitting near the entrance, a garage door has been added to turn the place like a terrace during the summer days. An addition that will make us go back.
When we arrived, mentioning our reservation, we were able to choose our table, open the bottle of wine we brought and make our choice for lunch.
Moreover, the menu is divided in two: the Lupa and Casa Chirico. The first is truly Italian where the pasta is honored. The table d’hôte consists of a salad or soup and main meal. The second offers a variety of grilled meats (even including ostrich!) and its table d’hôte includes a choice of appetizer, soup, meal and dessert.
So we got our salads, although this was not our first choice. We would have preferred mussels, but due to freezing, they were not able to have some in the restaurant! However, the salads were fresh, with quality red cabbage and carrots and a good vinaigrette. We received our bread at the same time accompanied only by standard packaged butter. Naturally we would have liked more choices as flavored butters or a mix of oil and balsamic vinegar. Immediately after the salads we got the soup of the day, chicken broth, white wine, spinach and eggs. A happy mix, unusual for us, that had good taste.
For the main dishes, the portions pleasantly pleased us well. First, linguine and amatriciana sauce (a creamy tomato sauce with pancetta and shallots) and veal cutlet cream sauce, brandy and mushrooms. The veal dish was accompanied by a small portion of spaghetti tomatoes sauce and boiled carrots, zucchini and turnips. We have to mention that at every service the hostess offered us fresh parmesan and pepper.
Finally, the dessert time has come! A light chocolate panna cotta, included in the Casa Chirico table d'hote and, from the a la carte menu, the exquisite Vesuvio Giovanna that is really worth the trip and the price ($ 7.95). This is actually a chocolate fondant, Italian way. First we wanted the marzipan, but none was left...
For us, the Da Leonardo represents the perfect example of traditional Italian meals in Sherbrooke. But Lupa has nothing to envy in terms of freshness, value pricing and bring your own wine formula. Having two different menus also satisfy all tastes.
Rating: 8/10
What most marked our visit: The varied menu.
The house specialty: Pasta and Italian grills.
The most expensive meal on the menu: Ostrich table d'hôte ($ 45.95)
The cheapest meal on the menu: Pasta Aglio e Olio sauce (garlic and olive oil) or Pomodore sauce (tomatoes) at $13.95.
Do we recommend this restaurant: Yes.
What time of day did we make our visit: the Saturday night dinner.
Pros:
Bring your own wine
Value for money
Decor
Cons:
Paid parking in the street and not near the restaurant
Too close tables
