Hype Deserved: Vespaio
If I’d known Sarah and I would be risking our lives by walking to Vespaio, I would have insisted that we dine elsewhere for her birthday meal. But knowing how much she loves this place, she would probably insist we take our chances. Even with a two hour wait, Vespaio is worth it. I can’t think of any restaurant in Austin worthy of a wait that long. We actually used the time to check out a new restaurant that quietly scooted into the old Lambert’s space. It’s called “7.” Strike One.
The space is exactly the same as Lambert’s, only the color scheme has gone from a palette of reds, to one of blues. The menu was very limited and used an a la carte pricing system, and featured mostly seafood. But the place was full and we were just there for a drink at the bar. The bartender was really friendly and he dispensed some good golf advice.
Delirious with hunger (or maybe that lovely buzz that comes with one glass of wine on an empty stomach), we made our way through the crowded Vespaio lobby. Almost as soon as we sat down, a waiter dropped by to say hello. “I haven’t seen you two in a while…” Six months actually. This guy had only served our dinner one time and we later dertermined that we had not been to Vespaio since last September. “Yeah, I remember now,” he said casually, “you sat right over here…” Wow. Class act.
Soon we were seated and ordered our favorite appetizer: Tuna Tar Tar. I have no idea if that is how you spell it. It’s basically minced sushi-grade tuna, with capers, and four pieces of a crostini-type bread. You spread the tuna on the bread. I’m trying to think of interesting adjectives for how good this is… Just order it. I swear you won’t be disappointed unless you have some strange tuna allergy. You still might give it a shot.
Our server had mastered the difficult task of being around when we wanted him, and gone when we didn’t. When asked what he recommended in a certain type of wine (shiraz), he didn’t hesitate to firmly say, “These two are what you’re looking for…” I noticed he was also waiting on a large table of Italian-speakers. They seemed quite pleased with the food and service. Not a bad sign for an Italian restuarant.
Fully jonesing for seafood, I got the seafood mixed grill and Sarah ordered the halibut special. There is no getting around the price of the mixed grill. It ain’t cheap. So your expectations are high. Again, phenomenal. It includes drum fish, crab cakes, a small eggplant lasagna, and polenta, I think. It was all prepared really simply and didn’t have any rich sauces. Neither did the halibut. All of the food was simple, fresh, and satisfying. I imagine some of the ingredients originated in the new garden behind the building. This is the type meal that makes you want to slow down, and savor every bite. We left pleasantly full rather than stuffed. I can’t wait to return.
The French are thinkers — ‘I think, therefore I am’. Americans want somebody who is going to take action. All this association of Kerry with thinking too much and nuance and five-sentence answers is off-code… Go to K-Mart, buy jeans and cowboy boots… Dress like you are going into a bar in Kansas to drink from the bottle. 
