If you have been following this blog, you may have noticed my fondness for the Italian Aperitivo tradition, the ritual of {mostly bitter} pre-dinner cocktails accompanied by a couple of stuzzichini meant to stimulate the appetite. It's become my favorite way of sharing time with friends, be it a spontaneous birthday aperitivo in the desert, a rustic spread at a friend's barn in the country, an alfresco aperitivo in an enchanted garden or a casual weekday aperitivo with {mostly Italian} friends.
Last night we got to attend a special Aperitivo - Una Serata a Roma, an amazing Roman feast of aperitivo, cena, vino & digestivo hosted by the fabulous Marcia Gagliardi {aka Tablehopper}. It was a perfect evening - a rare balmy summer night in San Francisco with aperitivo served on beautiful Mint Plaza followed by a scrumptious Roman meal prepared by the talented Mattia Marcelli of 54 Mint.
cocktails.
~ aperol spritz & negroni sbagliato
aperitivo.
~ suppli al telefono
~ baccalà fritters
~ salumi & prosciutto
~ heirloom tomato bruschetta
~ house made foccaccia with speck & figs
la cena.
~ housemade tonnarelli cacio e pepe
~ gnocchi all'amatriciana
~ misto romano {porchetta, lamb chop, housemade sausage} with sautéed kale & roasted potatoes
~ torta di ricotta ebrea
