As we enter the unassuming front area of Chi Spacca (AKA Mozza To Go), the hostess opens the partition behind her (literally) to reveal an inviting room with abundant sunlight and auburn colored walls ensconced in wine bottle filled built-in shelving. This rustic eleven-table restaurant is warm and welcoming with an enticing aroma that wets the appetite. Immediately I like it here. The ambiance is cultured without being pretentious; its somehow cozy and grand at the same time. Our table feels intimate but not isolated. From the moment we arrive we have the impression we’ve been invited as guests into someone’s home. An added touch is the open kitchen, as it is quite entertaining to watch the chef conduct his menu. I especially enjoyed seeing the Fred Flinstone sized flank of beef on the grill.

Impressed with the atmosphere as well as the friendly staff, I enthusiastically review the menu. There’s abundant choices without being over whelming. The prices vary from high to extremely high, but I am fairly certain that every bite will be worth each dollar.

I loved the food at Chi Spacca. In true Trattoria style, each dish is hearty and comprised of simple ingredients that enhance the natural flavors of the entree. As an example, the razor clams were sautéed with just garlic, a hint of lemon juice, a secret herb, and a drizzle of olive oil. They tasted fresh and natural and were surprisingly filling. For our appetizer we selected the Affettati Misti, which I highly recommend. This sample platter of in-house made sausages (pictured above) is not only delicious, but a great bang for the buck. To accompany our meats and fish, we ordered the butter lettuce salad which was perfectly misted with the most amazingly refreshing lemon vinaigrette I’ve ever tasted. So amazing that my dinner companion and I decided it would be fun to have a competition on who could get the closest in making this dressing at home. The charred sugar snap peas arrived to the table as our final course. These wonderfully crisp snap peas covered with yoghurt and lemon were just sweet enough that they seemed like the perfect desert. Our waitress had mentioned that the flat bread appetizer is the most popular and a chef friend declared his love of the bone marrow pie, but I was extremely happy with our choices. Of course I wouldn’t complain regarding returning here to taste the aforementioned selections. The food is so hearty that, despite the sticker shock, it is actually possible for a couple even on a meager budget to be satiated with spending just slightly over 100$, and that includes a glass of wine.

ChiSpacca is such a treat. It’s definitely a meat-lovers heaven and overall a quaint trattoria. I look forward to revisiting.

xoxo

QJ