Vinsanto: Man Can’t Live On Bread Alone

When you dine at some of the world’s most successful restaurants, you’ll notice they all have one thing in common – perfection. Most often, an unbeatable dining experience doesn’t mean something was good, but that everything was perfect. And after being swept away by a remarkable evening and an outstanding dinner at Vinsanto Ristorante, I knew that owners John Di Vittorio and Marco Pezzelli are devotedly passionate, spoiling their guests down to the last detail.

With over 40 years of industry experience combined, the lifelong friends decided to open Vinsanto two years ago. The restaurant is named after the traditional Tuscan dessert wine, usually served with Italian almond cookies, or cantucci. Since its opening, I’ve heard more and more word-of-mouth praise about Vinsanto’s soaring reputation as the city’s new top hotspot. “People are discovering that we’re something special, and we go the extra mile,” says Di Vittorio. Together, the two business partners operate on an essential motto: ambience, decadence and passion.

Nestling in with no idea what’s to come, I instantly notice a fine dining Mecca bursting with trendy flair. A beautiful woman wearing a Prada dress sips ice wine at the bar. Outside I notice a stunning California-style patio with lush trees, beautiful umbrellas and ornate masonry. “It’s the first thing people see,” says Pezzelli. “They’re in awe already, and really appreciate what’s waiting for them inside.”

The classy, vibrant interior leaves me inebriated with wonder. Fine granites, leathers, and woodworks glisten in the candlelight, while an elaborate stretched bar displays a collection of the finest Old World Italian wines, cognacs, grappa, and amaro. Lyrics fill the air as a tall, elegant man turns from the bar, singing with his eyes closed. Prominent Toronto singer Errol Fisher begins his phenomenal jazz performance, sweeping his enchanted audience to a faraway place. “When it comes to great food, service, and entertainment, this is where you want to be,” Di Vittorio reveals.

After ordering my meal, I ask a friendly server about the venue, which hosts engagement parties, weddings, cocktail parties, and seminars. If you really want to let loose and experience the life of a celebrity firsthand, Vinsanto will throw your very own Hollywood-style red carpet affair, complete with five-star hors d’oeuvres and an intricate martini bar. The whole experience becomes celestial when I try the Ontario rack of lamb with a palmary mustard sauce – a delectable dish leaving an eternal imprint on my palate. Guests would probably agree they can’t resist the fresh bread, baked daily using Pezzelli’s secret technique.

Of course, man can’t live on bread alone, but visitors could definitely live pleasurably on the Vinsanto experience. With an ambient atmosphere, decadent cuisine, and outstanding service from very passionate people, the restaurant offers an encounter leaving guests divinely satisfied.

www.vinsanto.ca