Food: Spacco Restaurant and Bar

We were actually hoping to get into Grazie, but as usual, there was a one hour wait. It usually doesn't take that long, and even it it does it's always worth the wait.

Nonetheless, it seemed like a good time to try out another place - preferably something Italian, or at least with some sort of pasta offering. My UrbanSpoon iPhone app told me that Spacco was in the area, and I remembered a daily Groupon offer that kept coming up this year. Note: There was no Groupon offer at the time, probably because it was Christmas week! 

Date visited: December 29th, 2011

The location is sort of hidden away behind Alleycatz on Yonge Street, so it's easy to miss. Despite the fact that it was 6-something in the evening, there didn't seem to be a line of any kind, and only one other set of people already dining. Red flag? The host that seated us was full of energy (but not too much energy!), and gave us a few seating options. We had some time to review the menu, and he quickly came by with wine recommendations. I wasn't planning to have a glass, but felt compelled to order one based on his suggestions. So far, so good!

After further review of the entrees, he came by again and provided further recommendations on the best pasta and risotto options. This helped narrow things down, and I was confident that I has chosen something I would like - Mushroom Pappardelle. No protein? So what? - it had truffle oil. Amazing. Sometimes pasta's suffer because the sauces are flavourless, or there isn't enough "stuff" in them. I was nervous about the olive oil, because that usually sucks. I was pleasantly surprised by the subtle flavours of the various mushrooms, which were complemented with just the right amount of truffle oil... no lack of flavour here.  

I was also glad that our server came by soon after a large party came in to ensure that our orders made it to the kitchen first. This kind of service warrants a good tip, in a city where pleasant dining experiences are few and far between. I would certainly recommend Spacco to a friend.

Based on the excellent service and quality food, I would definitely return to this place. I can't believe I've never been there before - it's worth a try!

Final thought: Eat there!