“Zitto Zitto means to be told something that is completely a secret,” says Anita Mancuso, co-owner of Zitto Zitto Taverna and Sotto Voce Wine & Pasta Bar. “It does give you a vibe of like, ‘you know, but it’s our secret.”
The open secret Mancuso’s been keeping is that of the ZZT Bar, the cocktail bar room at Zitto Zitto, which has been in partial use since opening, but has just recently launched in its full form -- complete with new menus just in time for summer.
One of 4 unique spaces that comprise Zitto Zitto Taverna, the ZZT Bar is the first step taken inside the space. A fan of the classics, Mancuso described it as a sleek and sexy cocktail lounge, where you can find classic drinks with a bit of a Zitto twist.
Some examples of these signature cocktails on offer include Zitto Zitto’s take on the increasingly popular Espresso Martini that the team at ZZT spruce up with a splash of Grappa Di Bianco. A fresh summery option is the Lavanda Spritz, flavoured with lavender-infused gin and cucumber syrup.
And it’s not just the drinks -- Mancuso said Zitto Zitto has also taken the spirit of putting a bit of a twist on classics with their food menus as well, including two new menus from chef Alessandro Militello.
“Classic but with that Zitto Zitto attention to detail that gives a heightened experience,” Mancuso said of the new menus, “That’s where Alessandro is making his mark.”
To go along with the launch of ZZT Bar, chef Militello has introduced a new piattini menu to complement the cocktail selection with the Mediterranean-inspired small bites and snacks. Piattini translates literally to small plates, “bigger than tapas, smaller than an appetizer,” Mancuso said.
But if you’re still hungry, Zitto Zitto’s full menu will be available in the ZZT Bar, including their new summer menu.
Coming from a self-described family of carnivores, Mancuso wanted the menu at Zitto Zitto to feature a heavy grill focus and chef Militello delivered. Highlights from the summer menus include a pan-seared Muscovy duck breast, topped with a wild Ontario berry sauce, Fettuccine alla Lido with seared swordfish and fried eggplant, and a selection of steaks and other meat cuts cooked and seasoned to perfection and paired with seasonal vegetables.
The menu is made up of a few staple classics, a roster of new dishes for the summer, and a rotating selection of features and specials that change from day to day to keep things new and exciting.
For example, the menu includes a risotto which is made different each day, based on what inspiration and ingredients chef Militello gathered that day to prepare for the restaurant.
“I think it’s the right thing to do, for a chef. Would you want to cook the same thing every night?” Mancuso said. She loves the freedom for creative expression the menu allows. This way, Mancuso said, “There’s always something new and fresh that wasn’t there the last time you were here.”
And now that the secret’s out, you can find what’s new and exciting at ZZT Bar at Zitto Zitto Taverna at 593 College Street, Toronto.
