A Celebratory Dinner: Italian Style

A few weeks ago some friends, Siege and I decided to hit up a more 'fancy' establishment than our last time out. Here's the quick break down of the peeps, food, and various other tom foolery that transpired at Spataro.

Diners: Jer, Siege, Gibby, AVG, B-Fong! B-Fong! B-Fong! (Editors Note: B-Fong is actually just 1 person)
Place: Spataro Restaurant & bar
Ambiance: Upscale Italian

And now begins the in-depth, play-by-play analysis of night. It started at a somewhat leisurely pace with the hostess seating some 20 minutes past our reservation time. Not a huge deal, though I must admit, I was famished and ready for some of that delicious rustic Italian bread. Our server was prompt in greeting us and getting the ball rolling with the drink orders.

After reviewing Spataro's impressive wine list online prior to arriving, Gibby and I thought it would be in our best financial interest to each bring a bottle of vino instead of purchasing one or two from the list. My contribution was a 2005 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico. Gibby brought a real show stopper of a Bordeaux from the Haut-Medoc region. We were so pumped to try our bottled treasures that we insisted our server open both of them at the same time...you know, just to let them breathe.

After much deliberation and at the recommendation of our server, the Antipasti Misti del Giorno seemed like the most sensible for 5 people. The starter consisted of an uber fresh house made mozzarella, Prosciutto di San Daniele, toasted bread and marinated olives. Overall a solid beginning. I only wish there were more of it on the plate. Our second of the apps was the ubiquitous Fried Calamari. But I have to say, this Italian version (Fritto Misto) was one of the tastiest I've had. The crispy, light batter gave way to moist and tender squid. Normally I'm not a huge Condiment/sauce guy, but the Fennel, lemon, chickpea aioli that accompanied the calamari was crazy good, yo.

At this point in the evening I had actually paced myself pretty well with regard to sheer volume of food mass consumed. Fortunately we had a nice break before our entrees arrived. The time was filled with plenty of bad impressions of co-workers from Gibby and I, more joking around, and a very exciting announcement. We were all delighted to hear that the Gibby's were having a baby. It was hands down the highlight of the evening. So we toasted the Gibbs and before we knew it, our mains were set before us in all of their wicked hot splendor.

I was pleased with my choice. Strozzapreti al Sugo is a pasta I've never had the pleasure of eating till now. The pasta itself resembled a french fry, at least in shape (not taste and had a wonderfully flavorful Niman Ranch pork sauce that coated the pasta beautifully. The chef, however, showed a bit too much restraint in seasoning the pork sauce. Otherwise, it would have been just about perfect.

Siege opted for the Cioppino, which boasted local seafood in zesty tomato sauce. It was light, fresh, and spot on! Gibby, B-Fong and AVG shared my zeal for starch and all ordered pasta dishes. Gibby threw down the same entree as I and B-Fong enjoying a very tasty plate of Orecchiette. Our 'mom-to-be, AVG, decided on the Melanzane e Polenta al Forno, an eggplant dish that just didn't quite hit the mark.

The deserts were good, but not super memorable. All in all, the Italian fare was pretty tasty, the wine was superb, and the company even better. I have to say though, I felt jipped that we didn't get to see B-Fong hit on a waitress. Oh well, Maybe next time.