New (And Improved!) Location: La Spiga Osteria

10-Dec-2006

I just got home from the opening party at La Spiga’s new location. Still on Capitol Hill but in the area that seems to be attracting quality establishments to this new little restaurant row – and I say that in a good way, not as a demeaning term which it can sometime be. Anchored on one end by Crave and the other by Licorous and Lark there is a four (or so) block stretch of 12th Avenue which keeps calling my name – and even louder now.

La Spiga’s new location is beautiful. The interior is broken into a series of spaces, some meant for intimate dining, some meant for groups of friends to pile in together and others where it appears communal dining will be encouraged. And, as if that is not enough, there is a lovely upstairs space for group events.

So much attention to detail was taken with the interior that even if you don’t actively notice it, you will feel it. The warmth of the wood, the artistic elements in the metalwork, the extra-wide risers on the stairs, cozy booths with special candle boxes, the comfortable bar stools and friendly staff all create a welcoming ambiance.

Add to that the wonderful, simple, tasty food that has always been a part of the La Spiga experience and you have a recipe for a delightful experience.

It has been quite some time since I had been there – I wasn’t that enticed by the original location – so sampling the food tonight was really a treat. Everything served was from the regular menu. We started with a selection of "Le Battilarde" or cured meats, tried some of the Lasagne Verdi and Risotto con L’Anatra e il Formaggio de Fossa, grabbed a Piadina con Cinghiale Arrosto, Taleggio e Scalogni Caramellati, and finished with Chocolate Tiramisu and a rich bite of a chocolate cake of some sort.

It was all great but I especially loved the Lasagne – the pasta was amazingly thin, soft and silky and the sauces were light and rich all in one. I loved the Piadina, too, although at the time I couldn’t tell exactly what the meat was, but reading later that it was boar makes perfect sense.

I know that winter is not even officially here but I can hardly wait for summer. I am anticipating sitting out on their new little terrace, enjoying a warm summer night while sipping one of their wonderful wines and savoring one of the many lovely dishes I have yet to try. Hmmmm, will it be the Wild Boar Ribs slow braised in white wine or something like Tagliatelle al Burro di Tartufo – noodles with white truffle butter? So many decisions!