If you’ve been yearning for a taste of Italy and the Mediterranean without leaving Scottsdale, you’re in for a treat. Spiga Cucina Italiana has mastered the art of combining Italian and Mediterranean flavors, offering a culinary journey that will transport you to the shores of these beautiful regions, all without needing a passport.
Antipasti: Where the Journey Begins
Start your Italian Mediterranean adventure with Spiga’s selection of antipasti, the perfect introduction to the flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean. While Spiga’s menu is constantly evolving to include the freshest seasonal ingredients, some staples will surely make your mouth water:
• Grilled Moroccan Octopus (Polpo alla Griglia): Delight in the tender grilled octopus, spiced with Calabrian chili, served with romesco, green olives, and charred lemon. It’s a Mediterranean treasure that brings the sea to your plate.
• Burrata and Prosciutto: Savor the creamy burrata paired with perfectly cured prosciutto, accompanied by a country olive mix and crostini. This classic dish showcases the essence of Italian and Mediterranean simplicity.
• Crispy Calamari (Calamari di “Spiga”): The crispy calamari, served with arugula and a zesty lemon-caper vinaigrette, is a Mediterranean indulgence that combines the pleasures of the sea with the freshness of the region.
• Beef Carpaccio (Carpaccio di Manzo): Enjoy thinly sliced aged beef tenderloin adorned with arugula, lemon preserve, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, all crowned with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Wood-Fired Garlic Bread: Immerse yourself in the aroma of wood-fired garlic bread, seasoned with salt and truffle essence and served with Parmigiano-Reggiano and lemon aioli.
• Jumbo Shrimp (Gamberi Limone): Delight in jumbo shrimp cooked to perfection in a rich sauce of crushed tomato, garlic, lemon, shallot, and sherry, all infused with Tuscan butter.
These appetizers provide a tantalizing preview of the culinary voyage that awaits you at Spiga Cucina Italiana.
The Pasta and Pizza of Italy and Beyond
Spiga’s handmade pastas are a testament to Italian tradition. While the menu changes regularly to incorporate the freshest ingredients, some dishes like “Risotto Tutto Mare,” “Bucatini all ‘Amatriciana,” and “Pappardelle Bolognese” reflect the heartiness and depth of Italian flavors.
Additionally, Spiga’s wood-fired pizza selection offers a slice of heaven with options like “Salsiccia,” featuring sweet Italian sausage, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, and fior di latte on a San Marzano DOP base, and “Bufalina,” which showcases buffalo mozzarella, spicy calabrese salame, and basil.
Carne e Pesce: Meat and Seafood Delights
The menu at Spiga Cucina Italiana also boasts a selection of savory meat and seafood dishes that reflect the Mediterranean’s love for fresh and flavorful ingredients. Some standout dishes include:
• Bistecca: Sink your teeth into a 12oz. NY Strip Steak served with grilled asparagus, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and a peppercorn brandy cream sauce.
• Gamberoni alla Griglia: Enjoy grilled jumbo tiger prawns drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a fresh herb infusion, accompanied by seasonal vegetables.
Final Thoughts!
Spiga Cucina Italiana allows you to escape to Italy and the Mediterranean without needing a passport. Whether you’re savoring antipasti, enjoying handmade pasta and pizza, or relishing meat and seafood dishes, Spiga’s menu is a true culinary journey that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of both regions. So, when you dine at Spiga Cucina Italiana, prepare to embark on a delicious adventure that combines the best of Italy and the Mediterranean, all in the heart of Scottsdale.
