Spuntino

Spuntino is really amazing.  It reminds me of a place in the West Village in NYC with its wonderful farm to table food (minus any attitude) and delightful ambience.  The service is friendly and great too.  Every member of the team was friendly and knowledgable.  We came during the dinner rush with a reservation but right after the favorable write-up in 5280.  They were mobbed but they still were able to take great care of us.  They gave us a glass of wine since we had to wait and we felt very welcome and special.  I feel that the owners' attitude permeates the place and that the whole staff has the same lovely attitude.  Some of the other restaurants in Denver could take note with great benefit especially with regard to the service part of the equation.  We had the tasting menu with the arugula salad, cavatelli with sausage and greens and that fantastic chocolate tart.   I love this place.

*sigh*  I just can't stop eating at Spuntino.  Where do I start?  I haven't found sandwiches like these in Denver until now... the ingredients, the taste, the quality.  For lunch, I've had the rich and delicious Porchetta - so much flavor in that sandwich, and also the Muffaletta - those house-pickled peppers?  Just right to cut the richness of the meat.

Dinner is WELL worth the trip.  I've brought and sent friends here, as well, and am not afraid to do so.  Unlike other restaurants that have let me down and embarrassed me with their inconsistency, Spuntino never fails to satisfy.  The sampler of Bruschette is a favorite, because each one is so yummy, I don't want to choose just one.  The duck liver mousse?  You'll be so glad you ordered it - savory and creamy, with caramelized (?) figs and house-pickled onions to offset the richness of the duck.   Despite being miles and miles from the ocean, try anything with seafood, one of Chef John Broening's favorite things to cook.  You'll often find a crisp-skinned sea bass with a root vegetable puree.

And, don't get me started on dessert.  If you haven't had one of Yasmin Lozada-Hissom's desserts, then you are missing out.  Nominated four years in a row for the James Beard Foundation's award for Outstanding Pastry Chef, this woman is a magician.  As a confirmed chocoholic, my absolute favorite is the Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Tart.

Great.  Now I'm hungry.  Guess I know where I'm having dinner tonight.

I was wowed by Spuntino. Really flavorful food that seems to be prepared from very fresh ingredients. It feels like a European cafe in that sense - good food, with the emphasis on freshness. Very friendly service as well.