AGIO!

So last Wednesday Stephen and I decided to walk around his neighbourhood since it was quite nice out. We stumbled upon a restaurant by the name of AGIO close by. A friend of his recommended it, and I have always been intrigued by the colourful sign, so we decided to try it out. While still standing outside looking at the menu, the chef and owner came out to tell us about his great place. Being somewhat swooned by his Korean mixed with Italian accent, we went in. We were the only people there. For the whole duration of our meal. Maybe even the day.

He began telling us about his stint in Italy and how he worked in Tokyo for several years as well. The stories were quite detailed. Even though it was a bit difficult to understand him at times, his enthusiasm for food and for everything he made was very evident and overall fairly charming (even if a bit too much). The prices outside the restaurant did not exactly match what was inside. Regardless, we decided to stay and enjoy our meal.

Yes, this is indeed a lobster chef doll. Slightly creepy.

We ordered wine (which was too expensive at $10 a glass) and waited. We did not have to wait long at all. We began with fried calamari with a side of tartar sauce. Very tasty. I then ordered gnocchi with chicken, bacon, Italian sausage, and mushrooms and Stephen ordered pasta shells stuffed with chicken and mushrooms in a rose sauce I believe. I really liked my main dish as well.

Crispy little squid.

Gnocchi with chicken, bacon, Italian sausage and mushrooms.

Stuffed pasta shells with chicken and mushrooms.

For dessert, we ordered sambuca creme brulee which was very tasty. As we were about to pay our bill and leave, the chef (Marino) kept telling us more stories and the history behind his dishes. The word "agio" means to take it easy I believe. Apparently fresh fish comes into Kensington Market on Tuesdays and Thursdays, who knew? He then decided to bring us his acclaimed tiramisu to try on the house. Despite being stuffed, we felt we should not refuse. It was interesting as it was quite different from the other tiramisus I've had; not in cake form, quite light and not sweet. After many thank yous all around, we finally left. Definitely a memorable dining experience.

Creme brulee. Delicious.

Tiramisu.

Marino. Definitely a character.