You know how I have how been raving about A16! Nate Appleman opened a couple years ago A16’s little sister SPQR. Faithful to his recipe of using the best local ingredients, in-house-made pasta and all animal parts, Chef Appleman give us a wonderful neighborhood gem focused on Roman cuisine.

On this Sunday early afternoon, the restaurant was nicely buzzing, Executive Sous-chef Huw Thornton was at the pass expediting and also convivially greeting the patrons.

As usual, we sat at the bar keeping a tight eye on the kitchen, where the magic happens!

Just a look at the Antipasti and I wanted to order everything, thanks to SPQR to offer a $21 for 3 antipasti, this made my choice much easier.

We started with the Fennel, radishes, chick pea salad, topped with tuna confit and bread crumbs enough to give the salad an extra crunch. This was light and fresh, a great way to start our meal, the Tuna was excellent! A recipe that I have made mine since and took home. It’s the perfect side to any grilled meat and perfect for the up-coming picnic season!

Then we shared the Zuppa with porcini mushroom bread dumplings. I loved the texture of the dumplings, the broth was rich and so flavorful.

Of course, if I see animal parts on the the menu, I have to have it. Yes, I am weird this way. I do believe it takes a great chef to treat these animal parts and make them supreme dishes. We had the beef tongue with pickled horseradish crema. It’s was splendid. And followed with the pork heart with cumin, black pepper and lemon. You have to try this dish, if you have never have heart before, get over it and you will discover something really amazing. Chapeau to the chef!!

We also share the Asparagus with spring onion, green garlic and grated egg. A perfect side dish.

And finished with the Potato an sausage Frico with fried chile and two eggs. This was definitely a brunch item that you can’t ignore.

We left the restaurant happy, a smile on our face. This is a great place for anyone in search of true rustic Italian food. SPQR is open for lunch and dinners and would recommend it for both. It’s small size, make it more romantic if you are on a date.

Summary: I haven’t yet found a dish I didn’t like on SPQR’s menu! Everything is fresh and seasonal and it just breath Italy. There wine list is quite interesting too.

I will highly recommend it. Bill for 2$: $104 (with a lot of food and wine)