Potato chips have gone full-on foodie with the return of the popular Miss Vickie’s Ristoranti Series, a limited-edition collection inspired by signature dishes from Toronto’s Pizzeria Badiali, Vancouver’s Ask For Luigi and Montreal’s Nora Gray.
What happens when three of Canada’s hottest Italian restaurants trade pasta and pizza for potato chips? We gathered the masses and put them through the only test that matters: a taste test.
Miss Vickie’s Ristoranti Results
Cacio e Pepe from Ask For Luigi in Vancouver.
The first chip up is from West Coast eatery Ask For Luigi. Obviously not a foodie mecca like Toronto and Montreal, collective expectations were not high. But, some were swayed.
Here, chip scarfers are hit with a that robust smack of Parmesan immediately. Some describe it as similar to “cheese on a canoe trip and make your own pasta, but I like that.”
Others went a step further comparing it to faux Parm “like some liquid parm dehydrated and turned into powder.”
But, most loved the peppery kick, some even wanted it kicked up a notch.
Overall this chip garnered some of the highest and the lowest ratings. It’s a love it or hate it vibe all the way.
Pairing suggestion: Prosecco
Overall rating: 5.8/10 (highest 9, lowest 3)
Vodka Sauce Pizza comes from Pizzeria Badiali in Toronto
We all know and love Pizzeria Badiali. You know, the one with all the lines that turns out the best slice of ‘Za in the city. But would you line up for Badiali chips?
The answer, is no. But, they are some solid chips. And, for many, the taste is instantly recognisable as pizza sauce. Very good pizza sauce.
One chip cruncher even described it as reminiscent of pizza-flavoured chips they would get in the ’90s. Nostalgia matters.
Some suggested the flavour was actually toned down from the series launch last year.
No matter which way you slice it, the Badiali chips were a favourite, but not the favourite.
Pairs with: Brio
Overall rating: 6.5 (highest 8, lowest 4.5)
Spicy Pepperoncini & Focaccia from Nora Gray in Montreal
Nora Gray is a popular restaurant for Southern Italian cuisine in Montreal dating back to 2011. And, apparently, they know their potato chips.
None of our tasters had anything too negative to say, and some actually adored this option.
A nod to how the heat builds lovingly as the chips disappear into the gullet one by one by one.
“Spicy in a good way,” one chip aficionado said. “It’s got the right everything,” said another.
Others commented that they are similar to ketchup chips in a good way vinegary and sweet and delicious.
Sadly, Montreal wins.
Pairs with: Streets of Toronto Raccoon Lager
Overall rating: 7.7/10 (highest 9, lowest 6)
