Spain has some of the best food and films in the world. Focusing on the filmography of Pedro Almodovar (You know, the “Volver” and “The Skin I Live In” guy) Antonio Ortuno brings this food to NYC with his Almodovar’s Night Pop-Up Dinner. Each of his 4 courses is based on a different one of Almodovar’s films. Get your Spain on Saturday, March 19 @ 7:30 PM in Brooklyn.
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.
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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. 🍝✨
The Blind Pig Supper Club has been doing it since 2011. Doing what requires more words than I have available right now. These pictures encapsulate their mission and events. What we love is that they share our same ethos. The idea of meeting new people and becoming friends is tied into everyone of their erratically themed evenings.
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.
Thanksgiving can be rough if your family lives far from the hustle we call home. Thankfully there’s tons of alternative families available to belly up next to and enjoy a feast that rivals the family back home. In fact, it might even be better given the family drama is organically removed from the equation. One of our favorites is Greenpoint Beer and Ale’s Orphans’ Thanksgiving. Now in it’s fourth year, a meal and a movie are included with every ticket. A dessert potluck is part of the evening so bring a winner. If that wasn’t enough, $10 from each ticket will be donated to The Greenpoint Soup Kitchen. Thursday, November 24, 5PM – 11PM in Brooklyn.
