Spasso Ventura [moved from California board]

[MunkeeCIAO]

Just had dinner last night at Spasso in Ventura. It's been open over a year, but we just found out about it and tried it out. We were pleasantly surprised.

We started off with eggplant parmigiano, then shared a carpaccio, then shared the carbonara. Each were delicous!

The owner is a young guy from Rome, greeted us as in Italian when we walked in, walks around and makes sure everyone is happy. We also chatted it up a bit in Italian with him so we appreciated that. It was good to see him involved with every table.

The wine list can use some work. We ordered the 2008 Barbera. It was good, not great. There are really only 6-8 more to choose from (by the glass or bottle). When we go back (we'll be back) we will probably bring something and let them charge us corkage.

Ambience could also use a little work. The place has music/speakers, but you couldnt really hear anything but the other diners talking. They can turn up the music. Could also soften the place up with a few more plants.

We've been to Italy a lot (all over Italy) and this passes our test for sure. Ventura needed something like this (sorry, Cafe Fiori doesnt cut it) and by the looks of the traffic while we were there, it should be around for a while.

Dinner with wine, shared plates, and two bottle waters, $95 before tip. When we declined dessert they brought out a tast of their tiramisu. It was really good. I wasn't a fan of the chocolate sauce (appeard to be store bought) but the cake was outstanding.

M