Almodovar’s Night Pop-Up Dinner

If you’ve been following, it’s definely been the year of Red Sauce Joints, my name for Classic Italian-American restaurants across my beloved USA. I was in a lot of cities in 2023 and hit some real oldies but goodies as the saying goes. 🇮🇹🤌🍝 Ah, but you saw this post coming, didn’t you? The year 2023 was all about diving deep into the glorious world of red sauce joints. I’ve reveled in a plethora of pasta-filled adventures, and many of you have been hitting me up with the burning question, “What’s the deal with all this red sauce joint action?” My responses might have been vague in the past, but fear not, for 2024 holds the key to all your saucy inquiries. Now, let me address the elephant in the room – we haven’t even scratched the surface yet. New Orleans and Chicago are on the horizon, and we’re not forgetting about the iconic red sauce scenes in Jersey and Long Island. Buckle up, my foodie friends, for the sauciness is about to reach new heights.

The best of 2023

As we bid adieu to 2023 and usher in the New Year with a bang, let’s take a moment to savor the flavors, reminisce about the red sauce goodness, and share a laugh or two over the memories we’ve created together. It’s been a year of culinary exploration, and I’ve been your humble guide through the tangled streets of saucy delights. Picture this, plates stacked high with twirling spaghetti, drenched in that rich, velvety red sauce that dances on your taste buds. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, a celebration of tradition, and a nod to the culinary wonders crafted in the heart of Italian restaurant kitchens.

@mistertasty . #classicitalian #top5 #bucketlisttravel #italianamericanclub #eatthisnow ♬ Stompin At The Savoy – Benny Goodman

Red Sauce America in 2024

Now, I know many of you have been wondering, “What’s next?” Well, my fellow sauce enthusiasts, the answer is on the horizon. 2024 is the year we take this red sauce journey to new heights. More joints will be added to the map, more stories to be told, and more flavors to be explored. And, that map is going to get a lot prettier and more details. so pretty you may want one hanging on your wall or rocking it on a Tee. So, what’s in store for the upcoming year? Brace yourselves for a saucy adventure like never before. The cities of New Orleans and Chicago are calling, promising a rendezvous with red sauce magic that will leave us yearning for more. And let’s not forget the hidden gems of Jersey and Long Island, where the red sauce legacy continues to thrive.

As the clock strikes midnight and we raise our glasses to toast to the New Year, remember the moments we’ve shared and the flavors that have defined our culinary escapades. The journey is far from over, Forkers. So, as we embark on this exciting new chapter, I’ll catch all of you at the restaurant – where the laughter is loud, the pasta is plentiful, and the red sauce flows like a river of liquid gold.

Here’s to a saucy 2024! 🥂🍝

Zoltar has spoken, and your wish has been granted: yes, you can watch ‘Big’ on the patio at Los Angeles’ Grand Central Market while sampling from Horse Thief BBQ’s menu of Texan meats and veggie-centric sides. We promise that the magic of the evening will be restricted to the movie’s storyline, Tom Hank’s performance, and the restaurant’s non-Hollywood dishes like brisket, apple and pomegranate salad – that is, of course, unless you decide to try your luck with an unplugged fortune-telling machine, in which case, see you at FAO Schwartz on the human sized piano. Wednesday, August 3rd at 8pm in Grand Central Market, Downtown LA.

This is the most important election our life, and probably yours too. No matter which way you lean, your voice is needed and important to truly understand what we stand for and care about. To that end, voting is not as easy as you’d think and getting to the polls even harder especially with the pandemic. Amplifying the already growing food insecurity faced in our country, getting to the polls versus waiting on a food line is a choice that most likely leads to your vote not being cast. To combat this The Infatuation, Zagat, and The Migrant Kitchen have joined forces and launched Feed the Polls, an effort to bring the maximum amount of voters to the polling stations by using free meals as the incentive. The hope is to help every American have a voice, which is what we want, now more than ever. Helping is simple, a $10 donation buys one meal.

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.

 

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A post shared by @Janello & Friends (@forkingtasty)

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.