It’s getting cold. It’s getting dark. And, we’re all wondering what this shift to winter is going to do to our new found love of outdoor dining. Enter RESY’s Yurt Villages, a pop up restaurant city at your favorite restaurants around the country. We assume they will be heated because, well, they are yurts and its freezing. American Express card members had access for the last two days but today it opens to everyone at 11am so grab a spot before they’re gone. New Yorker’s will see some of their favs like Lilia and Crown Shy yurting it up. In DC, Fiola. In Philly. Zahav. Kann in Portland and Canlis in Seattle rep the pacific northwest. By now you must be envisioning that glamping spot you could never secure on airbnb BUT this reservation food is included. So lace up your redwings, grab your best made axe and head down to the yurt village for a night in the round. Second though, leave the axe at home.
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Small Business Saturday X The Infatuation
Wait! Don’t go shopping today. Wait until tomorrow. Same goes for eating or at least eating out. Regular readers of FT know we’re buddies with The Infatuation crew. What you might now know is we’re equally long term fans of American Express. That’s why this collab was a must post for us. Plus, It’s innately a good thing to do. The Infatuation has curated some of the best deals on the Shop Small American Express site to get you both great (in many cases, hard to get) food while helping your local small biz stay in business. The team is hosting #DineSmall events at some of their favorite local restaurants in NYC, LA, DC, San Diego, Chicago and San Fran. Stay tuned November 26th as they open up the ticket sales. Saturday, November 26th from 3-6pm in various cities.
Guild of Cookery
You know how much we love film and TV inspired dinners. Graham Bellefeuille and Ty Cox are cut from the same cloth. They created Guild of Cookery based on the medieval meals you’d find in Game of Thrones. Sans blood, gore and beheadings of course. They honed their craft in some of the best kitchens in SF. Most notable, for us, Foreign Cinema. A place that inspired our supperclub. Given the impending new Game of Thrones season, we’re betting tickets will go quick.
Locanda vini e olii launches an Italian Market
It was more than a decade ago when we had our first Locanda vini e olii meal. An old drugstore, with walls lined with nostalgic pharmacy bottles, converted into a neighborhood restaurant has always instantly made us feel like we just showed up at our uncle’s house on Sunday. To combat the pandemic and winter in a dining ban they have converted the restaurant in a direction back towards the drugstore providing meals and provisions. This new alimentari offering highlights their fantastic ingredient list including their famed (at least in our house) olive oil. My mom can’t get enough of it. The menu is all available for order out so you can indulge in their best in-house dishes like their pappardelle with wild boar OR alici e burro (Sicilian anchovies). For us the Italian Marketplace is where it’s at. Stocking up on delectables like house made pasta, limoncello or their Italian breakfast in a box. If you are looking for a first move because you’re overwhelmed with choice as we were when we hit the site, start with the Meal-Kit. Each week a new offering includes a selection across three courses of tasty. By example, this week choose between Fettunta or Tuscan Lentil Soup to start. Follow that with Broccolini Pesto Gnocchi or Polenta (or Pappardelle) ai Funghi, a tough choice. Round that out by picking a winner in the Pork Shank vs Baby Octopus “Inzimino” bout. We’d go octopus. It’s a game-changer. Next week the options change so you can enjoy it all again. As my grandfather used to say, “a scarpetta” which signifies soping up sauce with a piece of bread to savor every last bit on your plate. We recommend the same theory applied to both the Loncada menu and marketplace.
A Solo Culinary Symphony at Penny Roma: An Unexpected Pasta Extravaganza
Ah, the joy of dining alone—no need to share, compromise, or fret over conflicting tastes. On a recent escapade through the vibrant culinary scene of San Francisco, I found myself at the quaint and charming Penny Roma, a newish spot from the seasoned pros at Flour + Water. Nestled at the back of the restaurant, I discovered my cozy perch at a small food bar, where the magic was about to unfold.
Here’s the video or jump below to keep reading.
As I settled into my seat, a glass of red, Italian, natural wine materialized, setting the tone for an evening of indulgence. With a moment to soak in my surroundings and contemplate the forthcoming feast, the server discreetly shared a secret: half portions of all pasta dishes were available for solo diners like myself. Naturally, my focus gravitated towards the heart of the menu.
First on the agenda was a crisp and refreshing little gem lettuce salad with pear, walnut, and blue cheese—an impeccable palate cleanser paving the way for the pasta parade that lay ahead.
With a mission to savor the breadth of Penny Roma’s offerings, I dove into four pasta courses, each a symphony of flavors and textures.
1. Cacio e Pepe
Classic in flavor, yet a texture revelation. The pasta’s thickness initially delighted my taste buds, but by the third bite, a thought crept in—how would I manage three more pasta courses?
2. Pappardelle with Chanterelles and King Trumpets
A dish where fall gracefully transitioned into winter, bathed in shallot cream and crowned with Parmigiano Reggiano. Umami at its finest, leaving me eager for the next act.
3. Strozzapreti al Nero di Seppia
Black ink pasta, a medley of fennel, Calabrian chili, oregano, and the delightful crunch bomb of toasted breadcrumbs. A daring composition that danced on my taste buds, defying convention.
4. Lasagna Bolognese
A classic red sauce joint creation, marrying veal ragu with marinara and béchamel sauces—a nostalgic nod to the culinary prowess of nonnas past.
Just when I thought my journey had reached its crescendo, the allure of dessert beckoned. Despite reservations, I succumbed to the temptation of an olive oil cake. However, this was no ordinary dessert—ginger, mascarpone cream, and sugared persimmon transformed a common treat into a twisted masterpiece.
In the end, Penny Roma had exceeded all expectations. A new school gem with an old school heart, it artfully navigated the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. You’ve truly dialed it in, leaving this solo diner utterly enchanted and thoroughly satisfied. Bravo! 🍝🎉
This is on the map. Check it out for all our Italian-American spots across the country.