Friday, April 12, 2013

Little Anthony's

Andreas Antoniou, owner of Estiatorio VOLOS, has recently re-launched Little Anthony's with a new chef and an updated menu. A downtown landmark for over 17 years, Little Anthony's is a 150-seat restaurant located in the financial district, directly across from Estiatorio VOLOS at the corner of Richmond and York.

Precisely a year ago, Antoniou worked with designer Marc Kryaciou in revamping the original 
 Little Anthony's (which was founded by Bob Antoniou). After a three-month complete overhaul, the restaurant reopened as the more casual, affordable Italian osteria.


I had the pleasure of attending a media dinner at Little Anthony's (Twitter: @little_anthonys, Facebook: Little Anthony'son Wednesday night. Replacing former executive chef Aaron Foster, Garth Legree (previously of The County General) prepared for us a tasting of canapes, pasta, mains and desserts. The tasting also featured wine selection from general manager Matt Roulston's well-curated wine list.

Signature cocktail "Milano Sunrise"


CANAPES
Cheese Tortellini
Scarmoza, Saffron Bechamel, Watercress, Breadcrumb


Bacon Wrapped Dates
Gorgonzola Filling


TO START
2011 Soave Classico PRA, Monteforte d'Alpano, Veneto Italy

Shrimp Scampi
Lemon Butter Sauce, Garlic, Fried Bread, Parsley & Arugula Salad


Tagliatelle alla Carbonara
Pancetta, Egg Yolk, Parmigano Reggiano, Parsley, Nutmeg


Pan Seared Scallop
Grilled Radicchio, Marjoram & Garlic Vinaigrette, Smoked Bacon



TO FOLLOW
2010 Chianti Classico, Castello Di Verranzzano, Tuscany, Italy

6oz Flat Iron Steak
Potato Gnocchi, Roasted Mushrooms, Thyme & Peppercorn Sauce


Filetto di Branzino
White Beans, Lemon Al Burro, P.E.I. Mussels, Braised Fennel, Orange


Roasted Capon
Brown Lentils, Crispy Confit Thigh, Glazed Spring Vegetables


TO FINISH
Lemon Sorbet


Tiramisu


Serving simple, modest and classic Italian cuisine, Little Anthony's is a great spot for corporate lunches and pre-theatre dinners. I personally enjoyed the bacon wrapped dates. Moist, sweet dates with creamy gorgonzola and salty crisp bacon, they were fabulous. The large, plump shrimps served on fried bread and finished with a lemon butter sauce were also very tasty. My favourite dish of the night would have to be the tagliatelle alla carbonara - it was so luscious and wonderfully indulgent - Little Anthony's nailed it. The branzino with braised fennel was also superb. Our dinner ended with a refreshing spoonful of lemon sorbet followed by a delicious tiramsu. Both excellent.

*This meal was complimentary. The opinions and views expressed on this post are my own*

Little Anthony's Italian Ristorante on Urbanspoon

 Little Anthony’s at RestaurantGuideBook.com