“We love food. We love wine. We love racing.”

Ascari Enoteca is a well-known Italian noodle bar in the heart of Leslieville. Chef John Sinopoli’s menu is simple yet inventive: a variety of interesting apps that are perfect for sharing, fresh-made pasta dishes that range from light to hearty, and one heck of a wine list (true to the enoteca name).

The appetizer options are extensive and our selections are often based on our wine choice. Salads and salumi boards are ever-present. If you’re looking for something earthy, the Funghi in Padella sees a mix of wild mushrooms get tossed in a delicious red-wine jus, topped with a poached egg.

My favourite, the Crostini al Tommo, has olive-oil-poached albacore tuna served atop  smashed white beans, finished with pickled red onion.

Mains & specials vary depending on seasonal, local ingredients. My wife recently ordered their pasta special, Tagliatelle al Pomodoro Crudo, which was full of diced heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil. My go-to is always the Linguine alla Puttanesca because I love the saltiness of the anchovy, capers, olives and smoked cod. Yes, smoked cod!

It’s worth noting that Monday night is half-price bottle night on their extensive wine list. Reservations are recommended, and it’s cash & debit only (no credit cards). This is one of our favourite date-places for a reason, and we’re sure to be heading back just as soon as we can find a babysitter.