Stuzzichini / Tapas

This (Tuesday night) was my second time visiting Bar Stuzzichini.
I made the recommendation for this place because we had guests from Japan requesting Tapas.
With Tia Pol no longer being the Tia Pol it once was, and Boqueria not being all that it's cracked up to be. This left us with slim pickins.
As I recall from last time, Bar Stuzz served a pretty mean "Italian" tapas menu. Unfortunately, I can't say that about their pastas or entrees. These were a bit weak.



















Here's a list of dishes we ordered.
6 guests, $650 (tax and tip included)

Carciofi (Artichoke) *
Polpetti (Meat Balls) **
Arancini (Risotto Balls) ***
Baccala Fritto (Fried Cod) *
Polpo (Grilled Octopus) **
Capocollo (Pork Shoulder) **
Soppresatta **
Castelvetrano (Green Olives) ***
Crostini w/White Anchovie **

Orecchiete con Cavofiore
Little Ears with Cauliflower and Breadcrumbs
Tagliolini con Pistacchio e Limone * (great sauce, terrible pasta)
Pasta with Pistachio Lemon Sauce
Spigola alla Cartoccio
Striped Bass Papiotte
Polpette di Vitello *
Veal Meatballs

"Turiga" Argiolas 2002 ***
Taurasi "Radici" Riserva, Mastroberardino 2000 ***

The Wines were magnificent.
Perhaps that elevated the whole dining experience. And rightfully it should.
It is often said, great wines are not to be drunk alone. Unless paired with food, the full power of wine is not brought out.
Certainly the case here. Wow!