[Food police] Una seconda volta

Almost a month ago we could not wait to partake in Italian opulence at Sapori Di Casa. But a major disappointment later and a promise to come back a month later during the Ajax-Juventus match, we are less than enthusiastic, queuing up. As is good practice among critics, we order the same dishes as the last time. The lady at the till seems to recognise us. Or is she always this nice? Mangiare!

Restaurant: Sapori Di Casa
Day: Wednesday, 10 April 2019
Time: 12:13
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 to 21:00
Meal: Roast chicken with potatoes and vegetables (EUR 7.50) & vegetarian pasta (EUR 6.75).

Temperature
Roast chicken (4)
We don’t take the temperature of the food we review because we like it and unfortunately the temperature again is below par. Last time it went no higher than 48 degrees. Now it’s a bit better, but still not enough, at a little over 50 degrees. However, a surgical cut reveals that the chicken is cooked through this time so one point more.
Pasta (10)
Last month the pasta was only 53 degrees, but today, at 75 degrees, it’s pico bello. Yessss, tuck in while it’s hot!!

The pasta jumped 22 degrees and scored a well-deserved 10. (Photos: Marjolein van der Veldt) 

Texture

Roast chicken (6.5)
No slimy strands this time, instead a crispy skin wrapped around a sawdust dry chicken leg. Oh, and why are these off the shelf supermarket piri piri wings on our plate?
Pasta (8.5)
This time we don’t need to go looking for the aubergine. In fact, there are large chunks of courgette and yellow and red peppers too. Party time!

Taste 
Roast chicken (6.5)
A great surprise is the addition of rosemary and a warning to everyone to avoid us for the rest of the day. Everything, from the potatoes to the beans, are covered in lots of fresh garlic.
Pasta (7.5)
We are pleased that there are more vegetables and this is reflected in the flavour, which is a lot better than last month. Definitely with the finely grated Parmesan cheese instead of the Gouda cheese used last time. All it needs now are some fresh Italian kitchen garden herbs.

An interesting variety of chicken.

Quantity/proportion

Roast chicken (6)
There is little left of the colour explosion of the last time. Chicken, potatoes and beans. A traditional Dutch meat, potatoes and veg meal with a touch of Italian garlic.
Pasta (7)
The well-filled plate has more than just pasta. This time we are not still hungry when we leave. This deserves two full points extra.

Price/quality
Roast chicken (5)
Compared to the last time, the quality of the dish has gone up a little, but it is still not a dish that we would order again.
Pasta (7)
More vegetables, a satisfying portion and a better temperature for EUR 6.75. This deserves tre punti more than our previous visit.

Presentation
Roast chicken (5)
We see beautifully presented plates go by. The caprese salad looks like it came from a Michelin star restaurant and even the vegetarian pasta looks delicious this time. But the appearance of the chicken dish just does not cut ice.
Pasta (7.5)
The green courgette and the red and yellow peppers make it look a lot more appetising than the last time. The only thing we miss is that attractive basil leaf.

Experience (7)
Sapori Di Casa has made up for a lot in the extra time. It reminds us of – dare we say it? – German teams that score in the last minute and win. Not nice for our team, but a real boon for our food rubric.

After Paul the octopus and Shaheen the camel, is Sapori Di Casa the new football oracle? If so, we fear the worst for Ajax.

In 2014 Shaheen the camel predicted that the Netherlands would win from Brazil. (Photo: Gulf News) 

Overall rating
Roast chicken (6-)
Pasta (8-)

Scorebord: 

1. Gemista from Maria’s Home Made (9)
2. Bruschetta with roast salmon from Brothers in the Hood (9-)
3. Quinoa salad from Brothers in the Hood (8,5)

By Connie van Uffelen & Marjolein van der Veldt