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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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.
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.
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.
Indulging in Unconventional Sardinian Delights at La Cicca
Prepare to have your taste buds challenged and delighted as we embark on a culinary escapade to this gorgeous island off the east coast of Italy—Sardinia. We’ll explore the unconventional bites that make La Cicca in San Francisco a must-visit.
Starting Strong
We kicked off our Sardinian feast with a plate of Burrata cheese adorned with Arugula, Anchovies, and a Truffles dressing. A bold introduction to the unique flavors that awaited us.
Seafood Sensation
Shaved Bottarga and Celery Salad followed—a dish that showcased the distinctive taste of dried mullet roe. The perfect precursor to the culinary adventure ahead.
Outrageous Octopus
Prepare for a visual and flavorful spectacle with the Baby Octopus stew in a spicy Tomato Sauce. Outrageous and a true showstopper on the table.
Pasta Perfection
Our journey through Sardinian cuisine continued with the rich and hearty Cavatelli Pork Sugo, setting the stage for the flavor bomb that was Fresh Fettucine with Seafood, Citrus Zest, all bathed in Squid Ink.
Secondi Triumphs
Seared Cod with Tomato, Olives, Capers, and Almonds graced our table—a perfect balance of flavors. Accompanied by a show-stopping Seared Lamb Tenderloin Tagliata Sardinian Saba, where Saba, akin to aged balsamic vinegar, added a rich and sweet note.
Amidst Friends and Laughter
Joined by two dearest and oldest friends, our lively conversation crescendoed throughout the meal. Laughter echoed, and we even earned a private stash of Mirto, an amaro-like digestivo, from the owner.
A Taste of Sardinia in San Francisco
Sardinian cuisine may not be synonymous with a classic red sauce joint or San Francisco, but La Cicca is changing that narrative. In the heart of the city, this Italian gem offers a unique culinary experience that might not be for everyone, but trust us—it’s all delicious.
For its bold flavors, unconventional delights, and a touch of Sardinian charm, La Cicca secures the #3 spot on our list of the 10 best Italian restaurants in San Francisco. Join us in redefining your Italian dining experience on the west coast. 🍝✨