At Bridgewater Bistro in Astoria, you don't have to think about a big dinner. You can think small. Small plates that is. Bridgewater's small plates menu inspired by Spanish tapas offers flavors of the Northwest and beyond that can be enjoyed as starters or combined to make a meal. It's hard to get more Northwest than with small plate offerings such as the Willapa Bay Oyster sampler with oysters served three ways or Crab-scargot with Dungeness Crab bathed in garlic, herb and hazelnut butter. It's also hard to get more Astoria than the Swedish meatballs. The newest small plate blends a tradition of south Spain with Northwest style. Bridewater's boquerones feature locally pickled anchovies mixed with smoked mozzarella and tomatoes on bruschetta. Another favorite menu item is the chili-lime prawns. They're dusted with chili powder and sautéed for some punch, but are nicely balanced by a honey-lime aioli on the side. The small plates menu encourages delving into big taste sensations. Bridgewater Bistro is located on the riverfront just south of the Astoria Bridge, telephone: (503) 325-6777.