Palio
D'Asti
Authentic Regional Italian Cuisine
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
It's
hard to believe that Palio D'Asti has been open
for 20 years! It seems like yesterday that we had lunch there
with our friend Alex. Located in San Francisco's Financial District,
the restaurant features an interesting décor including
fabulous posters, Tuscan plaster, metal sculptures and stone pillars.
They serve a seasonal changing menu created by Executive
Chef/Owner Daniel Scherotter who was trained in Italy
at La Academia Italiana della Cuchina in Bologna and was a chef
in Italy before coming to San Francisco. His Old World techniques
combined with local and seasonal ingredients creates a Culinary
Tour of Italy.
We
started out with a tart and very refreshing Cactus Cooler House
Cocktail. It was made with Stoli, fresh Prickly Pear and lemon
juice served shaken on the rocks with lemon. Our first course
was the Antipasti E Stuzzicchini. We loved the Asparagi alla Napoletana
which was Grilled local asparagus with sun dried tomatoes, Buffalo
Mozzarella, Castelvetrano olives, extra virgin olive oil and sea
salt. We also loved the Capesante in Peperonata which was Roasted
Day Boat Scallops with crispy fried capers and braised hot and
sweet peppers. Sparkling Prosecco DOC Valdo, Brut,Valdobbiadene,
NV paired perfectly with these dishes.
Next,
we enjoyed the Insalata Nostra which was a delicious Dungeness
Crab and Avocado salad with raw and pickled artichokes, fennel,
arugula and lemon. Our pasta course Primi Piatti was the Fedelini
con Granchio comprised of Fine Linguini with Dungeness Crab, San
Marzano Tomato sauce, calabrese chilies, flaked red peppers and
oregano. It was bold yet subtle pasta. The entrée Secondi
Piatti that we loved was the Corona d'Agnello which was luscious
Mustard Crusted Rack of Suckling Lamb with lamb shank sugo, snap
peas, baby carrots, pistachio and mint.
The
Wine Spectator Award winning Wine list features wines from around
the world. We enjoyed the 2007 Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
and the 2006 Mario Perelli Minetti Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
We
saved room for Desserts- Dolci. We loved the Panna Cotta Sanguinosa
topped with Blood Orange sauce and citrus compote. The Tiramisu
which was a Classic "Pick me up" of Lady Fingers, espresso,
rum, zabaglione and mascarpone cheese was divine! As we lingered
over a perfect Mr. Espresso, we enjoyed chatting with General
Manager Martino Di Grande. He told us that as a thank
you to their loyal customers Palio D'Asti is
having a 20th Anniversary drawing. Now through July 28, 2010 each
time you dine for either lunch or dinner, you can enter to win
by giving your server a business card. Prizes include a Cocktail
Party for 20, an Iron Chef Mixology Event for 12, a Special Wine
Paring Dinner for 6 , a case of Gianni Fission's Italian Wine,18
three course dinners for 2-4 and 20 gift cards.
We
enjoyed our dinner and friendly service at Palio D'Asti
and look forward to tasting more of their regional Italian Cuisine
soon.
Palio
D'Asti
640 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA. 94111
415-395-9800
www.Paliodasti.com
