Peter Creasey
Peter Creasey
My choice might be where I ate a few nights ago.
Okay, I faithfully avoid (usually!): (i) restaurants that are noisy and closely-packed; and (ii) wines that are strong and powerful.
Encountered both at La Ciccia in San Francisco...and they were super.
Thank you, Jim, for your favorable mention of La Ciccia. It was my first time there and the proprietress (I believe it was Lorella) somehow greeted me by name as though I was a regular. After visiting briefly at the table, I told her I wanted the Gostolai Nepente di Oliena Riserva Cannonau and she readily approved. Moreover, after coming to the table with the wine, she voluntarily tested (sniffed) the cork and determined the wine was corked (which is fortunate as I probably would have missed this...and would have just assumed the wine wasn't to my taste). She approved the next bottle and it was an excellent choice -- yes, big and powerful but still an engaging accompaniment with the food. Thank you, Scott and Steve, for touting this wine. Unfortunately, Steve, we couldn't take on the Canayli on this occasion.
As for the food! The anchovy salad was compelling, really memorably excellent to my taste. And, Jim, I can see why you dream about the octopus stew as it was really good. Likewise, the sliced lamb course and the pork saltimbocca course were just right. Alas, no room for dessert!
Led by Lorella, the service by multiple people was nicely attentive the whole way.
Altogether a stellar restaurant experience that, after 4 days of tastings and dining, was just what we wanted. I told Lorella that she needs to open a location in Houston...and she laughed. I told her I would be back...hopefully!
. . . . . . Pete
Okay, I faithfully avoid (usually!): (i) restaurants that are noisy and closely-packed; and (ii) wines that are strong and powerful.
Encountered both at La Ciccia in San Francisco...and they were super.
Thank you, Jim, for your favorable mention of La Ciccia. It was my first time there and the proprietress (I believe it was Lorella) somehow greeted me by name as though I was a regular. After visiting briefly at the table, I told her I wanted the Gostolai Nepente di Oliena Riserva Cannonau and she readily approved. Moreover, after coming to the table with the wine, she voluntarily tested (sniffed) the cork and determined the wine was corked (which is fortunate as I probably would have missed this...and would have just assumed the wine wasn't to my taste). She approved the next bottle and it was an excellent choice -- yes, big and powerful but still an engaging accompaniment with the food. Thank you, Scott and Steve, for touting this wine. Unfortunately, Steve, we couldn't take on the Canayli on this occasion.
As for the food! The anchovy salad was compelling, really memorably excellent to my taste. And, Jim, I can see why you dream about the octopus stew as it was really good. Likewise, the sliced lamb course and the pork saltimbocca course were just right. Alas, no room for dessert!
Led by Lorella, the service by multiple people was nicely attentive the whole way.
Altogether a stellar restaurant experience that, after 4 days of tastings and dining, was just what we wanted. I told Lorella that she needs to open a location in Houston...and she laughed. I told her I would be back...hopefully!
. . . . . . Pete
