Lit Italian Wine Bar

• 10132 104 St.
• 780-757-6687
• litwinebar.com
• Price range: Mid
• Rating: *****  

I can’t believe I didn’t flip the menu: Within the casual elegance of Lit Italian Wine Bar, I simply pounced on the lusciously-described spaghetti vongole ($18).

I never thought to check out the other side of the entrees menu. I missed out on bocconcini, parm frites and sliders! When my meal arrived, however, I regretted nothing.

Thick noodles were steeped in garlic, lemon and cream, then liberally strewn with buttery peppered clams. My lush Bogle Old-Vine zinfandel ($10) grew in complexity and flavour over the course of my meal.

My dessert – the chocolaty ($10) – began as a fairly standard molten chocolate brownie, but far lighter and creamier than expected. That scoop of salted caramel ice cream on the side, however, could have commanded a king’s ransom.

For after-work drinks or an evening’s repast, get Lit.