Pacini is the first western location of a Quebec franchise that has grown to 25 locations in La Belle Provence.
As both the name and the large tomato and olive in the logo would imply, the food here is all about Italian, albeit with a few tasty twists.
Pacini is attached to the Acclaim Hotel, a new independent hotel located just north of the airport. Yes, north of the airport. Which is a long way from the core but it is an easy to get to location and is easily accessed from Airport Trail or Country Hills. It's also just one exit away from CrossIron Mills if you need to get some carbs into you after a massive mall session.
On the menu you'll find a a good selection of Italian dishes; antipasto, pasta and pizzas but also items like Parmigiana Fries and a small selection of steaks. In Quebec Pacini does not inlcude steak on its menu but wisely decided that when in beef country one needs to serve beef.
Here's some of things I tried during lunch:
Piatto Maximo:
Designed to share with 4 people this platter served up a mix of tomato and olive bruschetta, some olives and lupini and a couple different types of warm goat cheese on crostini. $16.49
Parmigiana Fries:
This Italian twist on a restaurant staple features matchstick fries mixed with fried zucchini and onions, all topped with Parmesan cheese. Can't be good for you but pretty damn tasty. $5.59
Pizza Rustico Duo:
One nice option is that you can order any Pacini Pizza as a duo — half a pizza and your choice of Italian or Caesar Salad, Spaghetti or fettucine alfredo. Pictured here is the Salsiccia and Portobello Mushroom Pizza with the Italian salad, $15.19. It made for a great lunch.
Another interesting concept is the Fiesta di Gruppo Tasting Menu. It is only available for parties of 8 or more adults but offers a number of dishes and selections that are designed to be shared- family style like you are eating at home. It looks like it would be a lot of food even at the $34.99 per person price tag.
Small touches like wine trees that allow you to have three small glasses of different varietals, complimentary bottled water, a grill your own bread bar and the market style entrance make Pacini an out of the ordinary chain.
The Verdict:
I wasn't sure to expect from Pacini, my experiences with other Italian franchises — like the one that has a name in common with a Nintendo character or the big garden place — made me wary, I refuse to eat at them anymore. I was pleasantly surprised. The dishes and ingredients were fresh and well-prepared, prices were reasonable and the room itself was open and stylish. One downside for me personally is the location, but for those who live north of Country Hills Blvd. I can imagine it will be a welcome and popular addition to the neighbourhood.
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