Spartina

Dinner at Spartina offers a delicious coastal Californian take on Italian cuisine in West Hollywood.

There is something special about finding a delicious gem of a place on Melrose, in West Hollywood / Fairfax. Spartina is just that place. Located right around nomoo | new american burgers off of Melrose, it feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. It had been way too long since my last dinner with Erik at Amiga Amore. So, making a reservation for dinner for two on a relaxing Sunday night was an easy appointment to make.

Settling in, I loved how the patio of Spartina feels like a lush garden. It truly was the little details that set the tone of the evening. Our waiter, Tony, was the relaxed refinement I adore in quality West Hollywood service. He gave his recommendations and we were on our dining way.

To start with food, we ordered the LITTLE GEM SALAD (Cucumber, Little Gem, Chickpea, Scallion, Feta, Olives, Tomato, Caper Dressing). This, with the MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (Vodka, Cassis, St. Garmain, Cinammon) was the chef’s kiss start of the evening. Now, I do not understand how this salad could be so delicious. It was outstanding. The tomatoes were plump and popped in my mouth. The olives reminded me of what a finishing quality olives bring to a well crafted dish. In short, it was delicious. The cocktail felt like a warm sweater on a cool October night.

For our main course, we split the PORK BELLY PIZZA (Pork Belly, Cipollini Onion, Sweet Chile Garlic, Brussels Sprout Leaves) and the RIGATONI & SHRIMP (Sicilian Shrimp and Pistachio Pesto, Rigatoni, Pecorino Sardo).

Now, I know Erik really is open to challenging his traditional tastes when we dine together. During one of our dinners at The Wife and the Somm, I got him to try the bone marrow and crudo – which he absolutely loved. However, pork belly and Brussels sprouts on a pizza? Was I asking too much?

When I tell you it was perfection….. Especially, with the garlic? Absolute perfection. It was a cornucopia of flavors that felt – right. I had to make myself stop to take some home and enjoy the next day. Same as well with the rigatoni.

As a second cocktail, I ordered the STARRY NIGHT (Mr. Pickles Gin, Crème de Vilette, Dry Curacao, Lemon). It was another example of love at first sip

For dessert, I took a look at the dessert menu and sighed in delight. We ordered the PANNA COTTA (Mascarpone Panna Cotta, Wild Sage Honey).

Tony was kind enough to give us the panna cotta as compliments of the house. I was delighted. Even better? The layers of creamy, delicious flavor the panna cotta served. Not a scoop was left behind.

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