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.

Lamb Chops

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!

Tiramisu

Panna Cotta Sanguinosa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

By

Carol & Joe Davis

Dining Detectives