TORONTO — Ascari Hospitality has opened a new location of its Italian restaurant and wine bar, Ascari, in Toronto’s King West neighbourhood (620 King St. W.).
Offering modern interpretations of familiar Italian shared plates and fresh handmade pastas diners can expect the same atmosphere and service as Ascari Enoteca.
The fourth restaurant to join the group’s
current portfolio in Toronto, including Gare de l’Est
Brasserie and Hi-Lo Bar, this is the company’s first foray into the
city’s west-end. Named after Italy’s favourite motor-racing son, Alberto
Ascari, who was also known for his deep love of food and wine, the original
Ascari Enoteca has been a long-time neighbourhood locale in Leslieville since
launching in 2011.
“With the decade mark in sight for Ascari Enoteca in Leslieville, we’re excited
to get to know everyone’s name on King West,” says owner and executive chef
John Sinopoli. “The new Ascari expands on Enoteca, featuring the same familiar
Italian menu and signature dishes we’ve become known for, while making new
introductions that befit King Street West. We’re very proud of the design and
are looking forward to bringing a true
aperitivo hour to the neighbourhood in the very near future.”
Dishes include broccolini fritti, a dish that has been on the menu
since day one, and Orata Crudo, with Mediterranean Sea
bream, compressed rhubarb, pistachio vinaigrette and Sicilian olive
oil. Made fresh in house daily, favourite pasta dishes include Spaghetti alla Chitarra, a traditional
Abruzzese noodle cut on guitar strings, with tomato sauce; and Agnolotti di Zucchini — a stuffed
pasta with ricotta and mascarpone filling, zucchini flowers and brown-butter zabaglione.
The wine program for Ascari King Street West is built around the mountain
ranges — the Alps, the Dolomites, the Apennines and the Volcanic islands —
which offer wines of unique character, expression and winemakers of purpose
based on biodynamic and organic vision. Ascari’s cocktail menu takes its
influence from classic Italian drinks and culture, such as Elena’s Eyes, named after Princess
Elena of Montenegro. The ingredients — cantaloupe, lemon, mint and Amaro
Montenegro — are all native to Bologna and the surrounding area.
