ASK Italian York Review
Reviewed by Rachael Cummins
On Sunday 21st October, my husband and I went to ASK Italian in York. Despite living on the outskirts of York, we had a little difficulty finding the restaurant, but that was through no fault of ASK, it was down to my parents directing us to the wrong part of York; along with my ‘excellent’ directional skills and ignorance to our Sat Nav! As we were concerned regarding our punctuality and exact whereabouts, my husband rang ASK. The staff member answered with such politeness and was incredibly helpful in giving us the (correct) directions. It was only couple doors up from my hairdressers!
Upon our arrival, we were amazed with the beauty of the entrance hall. The high ceilings and decor were exquisite and the staff were very attentive. My husband and I were noticed by several members of staff; all polite, well-mannered and very friendly. The restaurant itself was impeccable, clean, crisp and fresh. The toilets were very modern looking and were hygienic, clean and tidy. On the way to the toilets, I noticed a board displaying children’s’ art work. Being a mummy of five young children, 5-years old and under, I found this a very warm touch for families. Making a busy full time mummy feel like she would feel welcome, not only on a romantic evening ‘date’ with her husband, but, also bring her well behaved young ones for a lovely family lunch, while out enjoying York.
We were shown to our table promptly; where table service was quick and friendly. It also appeared that the other customers were equally well taken care of. All the tables were beautifully presented with all the requirements expected and each with their own olive oil and ‘specials’ menu.
For starters, we ordered Funghi Al Forno, mushrooms roasted in garlic butter on Altamura bread and Garlic bread and cheese. Both were simply divine and beautifully presented. Our mains were equally as tasty, Linguine Con Frutti Di Mare, king prawns, mussels, clams and squid in a rich tomato, garlic and white wine sauce. The Linguine Con Frutti Di Mare was gorgeous. Next time, however, I would request a side bowl to put empty mussel shells in. My husband had the Calzone Con Carne Piccante, spicy calzone with pepperoni ham, pancetta, beef meatballs, chillies, mozzarella, tomato sauce and caramelised onions and a side order of Rustic chips and garlic mayonnaise. I was in love with the garlic mayonnaise, which may only be a small part of the meal, but it is the small details that are most remembered. Unfortunately, when our main meals arrived it did highlight the lack of space the table provided and the need for larger tables, even for two. With my husband’s beer, my drink, our jug of water, water glasses, olive oil, our mains, side order, specials menu and tea light, there was just not enough room on our small table! Personally I rarely order dessert as I haven’t a ‘sweet tooth’, unlike my husband, but, dessert for me was utterly delicious. We both had Chocolate Nemesis, hot chocolate pudding with a rich molten centre of chocolate sauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Before dining at ASK, I did a little research online and was pleasantly surprised to see a full detailed menu on their website. Their meals are in Italian, but, based on the meals we ordered are accurately described in English. Being completely honest, my husband and I are not the most adventurous of diners, very rarely swaying from meals we know we will enjoy; this in mind, our meals were some of the best we have tasted. Based on such accurate detail on the menus, I for one would not hesitate in trying something new on the ‘specials’ menu upon our next visits. My husband and I would not hesitate in recommending ASK YORK to family and friends.
For more information, view menu or book a table visit www.askitalian.co.uk