Spotted Pig

We went to the Spotted Pig early on a warm, sunny summer evening. With its doors open onto the sidewalk, the gastropub let in the beautiful weather. We were shown to a small table with two little stools. While it wasn't super comfortable, the place has a cute charm that is made more irrestible by the delicious food.

We started with two salads, one with carrot, avocado, cilantro, cumin and orange and the other with radish, parmesan, lemon, olive oil, and basil. Both were excellent, light and seemingly simple, but much harder than expected to recreate at home. (Attempts with the carrot one were respectable, the raddishes came out much worse.)

The much-lauded "Sheep's Ricotta Gnudi with Crispy Sage and Brown Butter" were delicious, exactly as described but then, that's a description I was sure I would love. This was the first time I had ever had gnudi. These cheese-based, soft dumplings, like gnocchi, lend themeselves well to being coated in a thick, smooth sauce. Perhaps it would be better suited to a colder day, but I was glad they are a year-round menu item.

"Smoked trout salad, red onion, egg, taragon" was the sort of dish that would lend itself well to a brunch dish. As I am a big brunch fan, this is not a complaint. It tasted pretty much like you would expect from the ingredients included.

The only entree we ordered (the rest were appetizers) was a halibut with pea puree & pea shoots. The fish was well cooked, and the bright pea flavor was delicious (and inspiring - we played with pea foam at our next dinner party). A bit of hot pepper added a bit of contrast to the almost sweet peas.

Excellent, reasonably priced meal. Can't wait to go back.