Don’t let the simple décor, casual feel or counter service of this downtown Stratford joint fool you: AO Pasta is a culinary colossus. The place features simple, Italian-inspired dishes made from handcrafted noodles and made-to- order sauces. Start with the ‘Antipasti’, ‘Arancini’, and ‘Meatballs’. Follow with the ‘Radiatori’ (sausage, squash, sage, parmesan) and ‘Fettuccine’ (cream, gorgonzola, walnuts, black pepper). Mission accompli. – From TOQUE’s Little Red Book, 2020