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REVIEWS

"This charming little taste of Italy in Hyde Park offers unexpected sophistication in a funky neighborhood, and it does so without breaking bank; the creative, fresh fare on its everchanging menu is ferried by a friendly staff that is always available to help with suggestions and wine recommendations, and the modern dining room is comfortable and pleasant- which explains why it is so often crowded and busy on weekends."

"One of the nicest meals yet at this neighborhood trattoria started with heirloom tomatoes and slabs of mozzarella. The daily pizza special focused on San Daniele prosciutto, prized for its creamy texture and salty-sweet flavor. But the highlight was pink duck breast in an irrestible fig mostarda-a condiment with a subtle nip-sided by lovely soft white polenta. Dessert, an affogato, was fun: vanilla gelato doused with a shot of espresso and surrounded by homemade cookies (including mini-macaroons)."

"When we suddenly remembered that this smart but relaxed little spot is open for lunch, we ditched the paper bag we brought from home in favor of three crisply grilled shrimp with fresh tomato sauce on a bed of comforting soft-style polenta. A friend pronounced herself more than pleased with the grilled three-cheese and proscuitto panini. Assorted flavors of gelato and sorbetto hit the spot on a warm day."

"...the style is sleek and sophisticated, the waitstaff polite and attentive and it's easy to get comfortable here."

"Husband and wife team Emmett and Lisa Fox have set out to create a comfortable neighborhood Italian restaurant where locals can eat for reasonable prices, and visitors come for the groovy design and the top-notch Italian food, including house-made focaccia and sausages."

"ASTI is the kind of place you can drop in on your own for a glass of wine and a bowl of polenta or show up with a crowd for dinner and be assured of a warm welcome and a good meal in either situation."

"Well trained and thoughtful waiters, an open kitchen, and Risotto dishes that are impossible to make without tender loving care."

"ASTI is putting a dose of creativity in its Italian Cuisine, even in the chicken breast, with the wing bone attached, were served vertically on the plate in a pool of balsamic vinegar-roasted garlic sauce with a side of focaccia-chesnut stuffed acorn squash."