Bar Stuzzichini

Continuing our lovely day, post-drunken-haze-movie-watching, HB, SpB, AB and I headed to Bar Stuzzichini, while StB left for other social obligations.  If you read that post from StB way back when Bar Stuzzichini opened, you’ll see that I was meant to eat here over a year ago, when it first opened, but I got stuck in traffic and missed the entire meal.  Blah.  I haven’t been able to get back since then, so I was especially pleased this time around to be able to try Italian-style tapas (aka stuzzichini). 

Since we weren’t all actually hungry, just in the mood for nibbles after a long movie, we opted to order 5 different dishes and split everything.

First up, grilled octopus.  I had a teensy piece from the end of the tentacle because I didn’t think this was included in fish.  HB told me “Just eat it, it’s not meat, whatever,” and then I proceeded to feel guilty for the rest of the week.  To be honest, I couldn’t tell you much of its flavor; it wasn’t particularly interesting or wow at all, nor was it completely gross.  It was … standard.  A grilled octopus tentacle – which I generally like – but not seasoned very well.

Beyond that, we orded the tasting of crostini.  Since there were 4 of us, this was split easily by cutting each piece in two.  Everyone picked a favorite, and no two people had the same favorite.  I liked the ricotta with saffron honey the best; I believe HB liked the chickpea one the best while SpB mentioned the anchovy one, and last, AB said something about the eggplant (but I think that was “Oh crap! I’m allergic!”). 

Next up was arancini, rice balls. I had to ask the waiter if there was meat in it, but he looked so surprised that he blurted out no with just a touch of… not disdain, but I didn’t like his tone.  All of the Italian rice balls I’ve ever had contained ground beef (and sometimes peas) within its center.  I don’t think it was an unreasonable question.  These were alright, nothing special, a bit on the mushy side if I recall correctly.  Blah.

Though I don’t see it on the menu, I am pretty sure these were potato croquettes.  Tasty fried bits of potato; in my world, you can’t go wrong with that.

The last one was a bit disappointing.  StB, before she’d left, had mentioned the baccalo frito, salted cod fritter.  I don’t know, I didn’t expect this.  Basically the same batter on the outside as zeppoles – which I adore – but not as sweet, with small bits of baccalo scattered inside a doughy batter.  Meh.  I’ll pass next time.

Overall, though, I like the decor, the atmosphere, the concept, and I liked the offerings enough that I would return for bar snacks.  Small plates.  But with an Italian twist?  You don’t have to twist my arm to want to come here again. 

A small aside, I have to point out that there was no meat in this meal whatsover, none of my friends chose meat plates (despite not all of them being completely apprised of my current meatless state), yet no one even blinked.  This made me feel like such a loser that it’s such a big deal to me to purposely not eat meat for 5 weeks.  Melodramatic and just, “is it really that hard?” about myself.  Of course, starting week three… it is a really huge deal to me, damn it! 

Yvo says: We didn’t sample any of the entrees, but the small plates were totally great and I definitely will go back to try more stuff.  The wine list is fairly extensive and deserves more than a cursory glance as well.  Prices aren’t too bad, especially given their option to have a “tasting” of small plates for only $15 for 3, $25 for 5.  Definitely go with that option for a pre-dinner snack, or a pre-night-out-drinking “meal” – it will work in your favor. 
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