354318 4 Location 533376 On a recent trip to visit friends in the Netherlands I was persuaded to take a daytrip to Holland's answer to Milton Keynes.  Almere has been voted the ugliest city in the Netherlands because all architecture is post-1976.  However, Almere Haven - a short drive from the city centre, is keeping a very big secret. Brava Casa near the lock at Almere Haven is simply the finest, authentic Italian food you will find outside of Sicily - the birthplace of the two young brothers who run the friendly and unpretentious restaurant.  Chef Umberto Caltabiano presents breathtaking dishes made from scratch with fresh and authentic ingredients.  The homemade pizzas are light and crispy, the toppings luxurious and plentiful.  All the bread is made fresh and the use of real butter makes the bread and olives option a great choice to nibble with a bellini before dining.  Fresh homemade pasta by Mama Caltabiano and generous, beautifully presented main dishes are mouthwatering and Host Ricardo will advise on the impressive wine selection.  The antipasti plates for sharing are worth a visit alone and the tiramisu is legendary.  All this is unbelievably good value and the warm, Italian atmosphere will make you want to linger with a galss of limoncello and dream of the Mediterranean. 2008-10-19T01:54:15-07:00 610271466 2008-10-16T17:00:00-07:00 0 16 226588 7803863 354318 0 0.0 2008-10-16T17:00:00-07:00 Published 0.0 2008-10-19T01:54:15-07:00 112316 0