My next arugula encounter was at a small pizzeria here in Colorado, just South of Denver, called Via Baci. I had been to Via Baci a couple of times before because they happen to be one of the few restaurants in the Denver area that gives discounts to teachers. Right away this restaurant earned some brownie points from this teacher. Not to mention they have tasty thin-crust pizza and what I have now found to be quite an incredible salad.
I am not usually one that walks into a restaurant and orders a salad. I am definitely a pasta, sandwich, burger kind of girl. However, feeling a bit “piggish” hearing the other women at the table say they are “feeling a need for some greens,” I decided that I coul perhaps entertain the idea of saying “no” to carbs and “hello” to greens. I ventured to the salad side of the menu.
Lo and behold, Via Baci has a Caprese Salad, one of my personal favorites! If you have ever had a Caprese salad you know that it is not really a salad at all. It is generally a plate full of slices of tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, topped with plenty of fresh basil leaves and drizzled with olive oil. This one sounded like it had a few minor differences than a typical caprese, but hallelujah I found my “healthy” scapegoat. And to my utmost surprise, we also all ordered a pizza to share.
When the salad came I was taken aback a little because it was not like other caprese salads I have had. It was definitely a large bowl of mixed greens, mostly arugula, and whole basil leaves. On top of the greens were several, and I do mean several, large pieces of buffalo mozzarella and a collection of cherry tomatoes. It was very generously coated with a balsamic vinaigrette. I hoped, with all my might, that the taste of the salad matched it beauty. And, oh it did! I immediately could recognize the strong flavor of the arugula and fresh basil leaves. It was actually quite an interesting combination of bitter (arugula) and sweet (basil). The vinaigrette and mozzarella added a saltiness that also went so well with the greens.
I left Via Baci that day knowing I had made quite a valuable salad discovery. Next, my journey to arugula takes me to my very own kitchen!
Visit the Via Baci website, but don’t stop there. Definitely take a trip to the restaurant itself if you happen to be in Denver.
Tips and Info:
- The Caprese Salad is served with two thin wedges of garlic bread. The salad and the bread together are great for lunch.
- My favorite pizza at Via Baci is the Adriatico. It is a great pizza to share if you are with a couple other people for dinner and are feeling like a little extra food is needed.
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