From the perspective of a consumer, I cannot even begin to imagine the effects COVID-19 has had on the food industry. From complete lockdowns to partial lockdowns, to say the last year has been a rollercoaster would be an understatement.

Now that things are starting to open here in Alberta, my husband and I decided it was the perfect time for a date night. A beautiful Friday night led us to Whyte Ave, to Pip. We both wanted to try this restaurant for a while and were excited to finally have our chance.

Since it was such a beautiful night, we decided to dine on the patio. I started things off with a glass of Grenache/Syrah wine.  The menu described this wine as “full bodied… [with] spice and tannins.” Tanniny it was! While it was full bodied, I noted that it also came off as dry, likely because of the heavy tannin flavor. Being a fan of dryer wines, this was a hit for me. The waiter informed me that Pip gets their wines from Color de Vino, a local shop also located on Whyte Ave.

While the dinner menu was small, I still had a hard time deciding. Everything sounded so delicious and full of complexity. I settled on the Gnocchi and opted to add fennel sausage for something different.

The best way I can describes Pip’s gnocchi is soft little pillows of heavenly goodness. While soft, they were firm enough to hold shape, but not mushy which gnocchi can sometimes come off as. I was delighted that the sauce was seasoned wonderfully with garlic which I tasted as soon as the first bite hit my mouth. This dish was an adventure; at the bottom, a gorgeous pesto sauce awaited. Mingled in were sundried tomatoes which added a surprisingly lovely acidity to the cream and comfort of this dish.

Finally, the fennel sausage. I was not too sure how pork would be in a dish that I would usually have with chicken, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. The sausage was incredible on its own but mixed into the gnocchi- absolutely delectable. I appreciate a sausage with texture in it, where I can feel and appreciate each the tiny morsel of meat. In addition, the fennel added an interesting extra. Not quite crunchy, not soft. Just something a little extra.

Pip did not disappoint. In fact, it far exceeded all expectations! I appreciate a smaller menu, and even though it was small, there were still excellent options for all tastes. I am more of a wine lady than I am cocktail queen, but the cocktails also sounded interesting and flavorful. I think next time, I just might be tempted by one of these.

A next time there absolutely will be!