Last week I had a chance to get back to my roots and check out the Calabrese regional menu that ~BARBACCO~ is serving now through August 12th. Chef de cuisine Nick Kelly’s Calabrese menu really excelled on the pastas, like hand-cut maccheroni larghi with swordfish, tomato, garlic, and chile ($14)—and my favorite—the cavatieddi alla Silana, handmade cavatelli with tomato, sausage, mushroom, prosciutto, guanciale, chile, and pecorino ($14). Yeah, that sauce ripped. Of course you have to start your meal with the ‘nduja ($6-$9), and the braciolette di alici ($8, baked anchovy rolls stuffed with bread crumbs, pecorino, parsley, oregano, and garlic) is another winner. You can finish the feast with the flavor-packed tonno bianco alla ghiotta (local albacore tuna “glutton style” with tomato, capers, and olives) for $18. My great aunt would have had problems with the onion frittelle ($7), so I’d pass on that one. Here’s the entire menu—you have a couple more weeks (though August 12th) to check it out! Oh, and be sure to let them do some wine (and beer) pairings for you—we had some really fun discoveries that way.
To get in on some serious chef action, check out the fourth annual Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Guest Chef Series, hosted by Tacolicious. Here’s how it works: at the Thursday Farmers Market, head to the Tacolicious stand to try a taco from a different local chef every week. This week is Brett Cooper from Outerlands, and upcoming chefs include Greg Dunmore of Nojo, Liza Shaw of the upcoming Merigan, Mourad Lahlou of Aziza, and Leo Beckerman and Evan Bloom of Wise Sons Deli. All proceeds benefit CUESA, so you can be sure that these tacos are not only great for you, but for a wonderful local organization too. Thursdays 10am-2pm, Ferry Plaza Marketplace.
On Sunday July 28th, catch the Myriad Gastro Pub from chef Trish Tracey at DEAR MOM from 4pm-11:30pm. Look for fried chicken sandwiches, Tracey’s take on an iceberg wedge, and grilled peaches; take a peek at the menu here. 2700 16th St. at Harrison, 415-625-3362.
The cavatieddi alla Silana at Barbacco. Photo courtesy of Waverley Aufmuth.
