rev:text
| - Named after a legendary Italian racecar driver, Ascari Enoteca is run by the same folks behind other Queen East haunts like (now defunct) Table 17 and the Hi-Lo Bar, and promises the same kind of warm and relaxed hospitality here as those other places. Dunno what the hell that is supposed to mean, but if it's warm hospitality you're driving here for, they quite delivered it. The warm chatty bartender who's happy to answer questions about the food and whatnot, sure; great service indeed. For an intimate upscale casually-spirited Italian dinner house though the music's kinda racing loud--maybe they were more aiming for totally social over a few wines ambiance. La dolce vita, eh?
The human gasoline at this corner fuel station are friggin awesome, even if the menu is small and it drives you way up the budget, which it sure will; I'll balk at that. That being said, the pastas all taste very fresh, because I'm told a minion in the kitchen is tasked solely to produce the noodles in house daily. My Tagliarini al Limone ($18) was delicious with ricotta shavings and shallots complementing elegantly with the pasta. You can also fuel up with their daily special, as well as a small selection of appetizers like a cured meat board to share.
It's an enjoyable dinner place like so many others on Queen East for the one time you decide to check it out. It is smaller than it looks, seating maybe a good 40 at best, so better best shift gears quickly for a reservation.
{TTC: any Queen streetcar to Brooklyn/Caroline Avenues.}
|