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Renowned for its Northern Italian cuisine, La Spiga is authentic enough in both food and ambience to make you feel a wave of nostalgia, even if you?ve never been to Emilia-Romagna. Chef and co-owner Sabrina Tinsley crafts the Romagnola cuisine to make it genuine, yet hers alone. Using the very finest ingredients, menus are changed seasonally to reflect what is freshest in local markets. As co-owner and host Pietro Borghesi says, ?An evening at La Spiga is like dining in Italy ? without the plane fare.?The osteria is named for la spiga di grano (a shaft of wheat), the symbol of fertility, harvest and good fortune. It?s the essential ingredient of the pasta and quintessential Romagna peasant bread made daily on the premises. The piadina flatbread is served warm and luscious: crisp on the outside and soft inside, it warrants a visit in itself.After eight successful years in a smaller space, La Spiga moved in 2006. Cool enough for a date and warm enough to bring the family, the artfully designed 6,000 square foot Capitol Hill landmark features a massive bar backed by an impressive wine collection. The space has been brought back to life by skilled craftspeople, and succeeds in being both minimalist and inviting at the same time.Any night of the week, the place is packed with chic locals and families, business people and artists and on many nights, a celebrity or two. When the weather is fine, dining al fresco on the patio while taking in an Italian movie makes for an even more pleasurable experience. Quality live music Sunday and Monday adds to the welcoming ambience. Ideal for night owls, an outstanding late evening menu and imaginative cocktail list makes La Spiga a favorite last stop until its 12 a.m. closing. For more information contact La Spiga at: hello@laspiga.com