Hosteria Del Arte
Our very good friends suggested an out of the way Italian place for dinner the other night and it turned out to be a delightful surprise.
It was touted as “cheap and cheerful” and it lived up in spades to both adjectives.
Stefano and Rosalia Quaiotti are from northern Italy and their is food is authentic and delicious. They are located in the Japanese Vivero (Nursery) on the west side of Ajijic, Lake Chapala on the Chapala – Jocotepec Carretera # 527. They can be reached at 045 331 410 1707 or 8 and Stefano’s email is: stequa@hotmail.com
It is very simple and they only have 6 tables but the service is excellent and the owners are very involved in the process.
We were greeted warmly by Rosalia and offered the house specialty of Calamari Fritti for the table and our drink orders were taken. They have a decent selection of white and red wines served in very nice wine glasses. Fresh bread was served with two dipping sauces. One was very spicy and the other sort of a milder chipotle affair.
There appetizers are:
Mango Salad, Capresse, Caesar Salad with Chicken, Sea Salad, Calamari Fritti, Beef Carpaccio and Octopus Carpaccio. Appetizers run from 65 to 95 pesos.
The main courses are:
Country Pasta with Sausage and Sage, Cannelloni with ricotta and spinacci (spinach), Fettuccine with Pesto and shrimp, Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, Spaghetti Pomodoro (tomato sauce), Spaghetti Bolognesa (meat sauce), Penne Salmon, Penne Vodka, Beef Lasagna and Ravioli with 4 cheeses. All mains are 95 pesos.
Two other specials are Chicken Involtini (rolls with cheese and Italian sage) at 95 pesos and Salmon in white wine with herbs 115 pesos.
Focaccia & Prosciuto is also available for 95 pesos.
We had a delicious cheese platter for dessert (which was not on the menu but Stefano was delighted to assemble it for us) and they also have a selection of delectable Italian desserts.
The four of us enjoyed our meal thoroughly and we are sure you will too.
Buen Provecho or should I say Buon Appetito or Mangiare Bene!