A few weeks ago, I felt the need for some spatzle, which is really hard to find around here. Spatzle is a little German dumpling, differing from pasta in that it is kneaded to work some of the glutens, so that it puffs a little when boiled. Spatzle, depending on who you ask, means "little sparrow," when sometimes spelled spaetzle (Food Lover's Companion, Mirian Webster's, ) but according to Harold McGee (On Food and Cooking), it is definitely not to mean sparrow, but "lump." I think I'll stick to the little sparrow interpretation.
At any rate, Spagio offers a nice version, which I've consumed on a few occasiona as of late, covered in Gruyere cheese, topped with fried shallots and left to brown in the wood-fired oven. It's like the best macaroni and cheese you've ever eaten and the perfect companion to a rainy January day in Columbus. If you're feeling guilty afterward, you can always get a salad.
Info: Spagio 1595 Grandview Ave Columbus (Grandview) 614.486.1114
