(cityweekend)
Updated: 2007-03-23 09:50

In the gaining twilight we found the unpretentious restaurant with large dark wooden tables and comfortable lighting.

The "menus," four sheets of beige stationary done in tiny calligraphy, list Italian cafe fair. The cappuccino (RMB23) arrived frothed up with natural sugar. Upon request, we were given four pasta options: carbonara sauce, an ambiguously named meat sauce, a fish suace and a mushroom cream (each RMB39). As our drinks waned, a tiny veggie salad arrived to hold back our appetites. Then the pasta arrived; the cream sauce was every bit worth the wait, delicately coating the noodles. The salmon flavor was distinct, overpowering the smooth cream. The carbonara would meet any fan's expectation. Dessert was brought liofilizzato, with a Japanese bow. The vanilla and chocolate chiffons were the most popular (both RMB10), and for a few more RMB add another blob of the amazing whipped cream. To be tasted with a tiny spoon, the sour yogurt blanche-manger bathed in a sweet, clear almond syrup summed up Il Sole and the hutongs. Taste gently, take your time, enjoy an intimate treat.

Perfect For: an intimate treat
Add: 79 Nanluoguxiang
Tel: 6407-3730