Quattro Gati, Amsterdam

At the end of a longish vacation filled with the rich sauces for which the French are justifiably famed, a little comfort food is welcome. For Lorrie and me that often means Italian. Which brings us to Quattro Gati in Amsterdam.

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Quattro Gati (Four Cats), Amsterdam pasticceria

As is the case through much of Europe, there are many Italian expats who’ve found a small space they can transform into a little bit of Italy. Knowing that, I’m always on the lookout. The first pass gave us a glimpse. Yes, it was a piece of Italy.

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Quattro Gati, street view. Note the cauliflower in the pot.
And the window sign. In Italian.

We had other choices for Italian in Amsterdam, a city with many food options (including the famed rijstaffel or “rice table”). Not this day. Quattro Gati beckoned. Now if only I could find it again…

Yes. There is was. I smiled as a perused the many signs on the door. Not only was it “Open,” it was OPEN. Toilet for customers only. NO PIZZA. Of course not. This is a pasticceria. They only do pasta. Pasta from scratch. Pasta with love. Pasta that takes a little extra time.

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NO PIZZA, but Campari and Limoncello on the top shelf.

Inside, there was a group of Americans, already seated. Not always a good sign. But they openly raved about the food. And the smells emanating from the kitchen were extraordinary. Our waitress, in her Italian-flavored English, pointed us toward two specialties. Why not? Lorrie ordered the pappardelle with white Bolognese, asparagus and black truffle.

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I ordered the “sheet” ravioli filled with sausage, topped with fresh herbs and tomatoes, then bathed in a butter sauce. Ok, I admit it. I was still going through French food withdrawal.

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The food at Quattro Gati amazed and delighted us. And there was just enough butter to get me home. And now for a little video of that black truffle being shaved onto Lorrie’s pasta… Whoa!

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