The duo behind the highly successful Table 17, Chef John Sinopoli and business partner Erik Joyal, have joined forces again to open Ascari Enoteca. This Italian resto and wine bar, which is located at the corner of Queen St. E and Caroline Ave., has only been open a few days but has already managed to create a buzz in the neighbourhood and around the city.
The restaurant is named after the famous Italian racing legend Alberto Ascari. The presence of his face on the menu and coasters, among other things, definitely adds a certain charm to the place. The story goes that Ascari was as famous for his love of food and wine as he was for his talent for racing, earning him the nickname “ciccio” – Italian for chubby.
It’s no surprise, but pasta features heavily on Sinopoli’s menu. Given that the pasta is all made in-house, it makes the menu all the more appealing and authentic. One of our favourite pasta dishes at Ascari Enoteca has to be the cavatelli. It is served with duck confit, Brussels sprouts, and chanterelle mushrooms with a sprinkle of pepper on top. The Crostini Toscana is also a winner. This appetizer encompasses a very smooth liver paté served on a crusty toast with caramelized onion and a fried sage leaf topping it all off. It is simply delectable.
There’s no better way to end an Italian meal than a smooth espresso, which happens to be another major strong point of Ascari Enoteca. They also offer a selection of almost two dozen wines by the glass, comprised of carefully chosen offerings from Italy and Ontario, in case you’re planning to stay a few hours and enjoy the vino.
Enoteca Ascari, 1111 Queen St. E., 416-792-4157
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