Roberto Marotta, a Sicilian native, brings the flavors of his homeland to Toronto with his restaurant, Ardo. The restaurant, which takes its name from his son's mispronunciation of "Leonardo," is a reflection of Roberto's love for food and family.
Growing up in the port town of Milazzo, Roberto was surrounded by the fresh seafood and produce of Sicily. It was here that his love for cooking was first sparked, as he watched his mother prepare meals using ingredients straight from the sea and land. This passion led him to open a restaurant in Milazzo, called Mood.
It was in Milazzo that Roberto met Jacqueline Nicosia, a Canadian teacher who was visiting Sicily on a layover. The two fell in love, and two years later, Jacqueline returned to Canada, with Roberto following a few months later.
In Canada, Roberto continued to study the local produce and meats, while maintaining relationships with top Sicilian producers. He opened two start-up restaurants in Toronto, introducing diners to the unique flavors of Sicilian cuisine.
At Ardo, Roberto offers a menu that combines traditional Sicilian dishes with locally-sourced ingredients. Appetizers include olives, arancini, and panelle, while pasta dishes feature gnocchi, spaghetti, and orecchiette. Pizza options range from classic Margherita to the Milazzo, topped with cantaloupe and 24-month Italian prosciutto.
Meat dishes include Fresh Fish, brasato and costata, as well as Vegetable dishes like Funghi, Rapini, and Patate. And for dessert, Cannoli, Panna Cotta, and Tiramisu are on the menu.
Ardo is more than just a restaurant, it's a celebration of Roberto's heritage and the love story that brought him to Toronto. The restaurant invites diners to experience the unique flavors and warmth of Sicilian cuisine in a setting that feels like a home away from home.
Fresh Family-Inspired Restaurants
ARDO Restaurant Offers a Taste of Sicily in Toronto
Trend Themes
1. Cultural Food Restaurants - There is a growing trend of restaurants offering authentic cultural foods from all around the world.
2. Local Sourcing - Restaurants are utilizing locally-sourced and fresh ingredients to create dishes that are more sustainable and healthy.
3. Family-inspired Restaurants - Restaurants inspired by the heritage and family history of the owner are becoming more popular as diners look for a more personal dining experience.
Industry Implications
1. Restaurant - The restaurant industry has an opportunity to expand and diversify their menus to offer authentic and culturally diverse cuisines.
2. Agriculture - As the restaurant industry seeks locally-sourced ingredients, there is an opportunity for the agriculture industry to supply these ingredients and potentially diversify their offerings.
3. Hospitality - There is an opportunity for the hospitality industry to provide unique and personalized dining experiences in family-inspired restaurants that tell a story and offer more than just food.