The one and only Dario Cecchini—the famed opera-singing, Dante-quoting butcher of Panzano in Chianti—is in the Bay Area for a variety of events. His visit has been organized by the Italian Consulate General and the Italian Cultural Institute in San Francisco, in collaboration with Italian food expert and cooking instructor Viola Buitoni, to mark the First Week of Italian Cuisine in the World.
I saw Dario conduct a butchery session about seven years ago at Nopa, and it was a marvel to watch. Try to catch one of these classes or dinners if you can.
CLASSES
Sunday 11/27, 4pm-6:15pm Arclinea, Showroom 160 2 Henry Adams, SF (between Rhode Island and Vermont, Alameda and Division) Demo class on whole hog butchery with lecture on responsible and ethical consumption of animals, followed by prosecco and tastings of two of Dario’s signature delicacies. Presented by 18 Reasons. $65; $55 for 18 Reasons members. Register.
Monday 11/28, 10:30am-12:45pm New Seasons Market Evergreen 5667 Silver Creek Valley Road, San Jose Demo class on whole hog butchery with lecture on responsible and ethical consumption of animals, followed by prosecco and tastings of two of Dario’s signature delicacies. Presented with Community Cuisine. Tickets.
RESTAURANT APPEARANCES
Monday 11/28, 5:30pm-10pm ~A16 ROCKRIDGE~ 5356 College Ave. (between Manila and Bryant), Oakland Special dinner menu with six specialties from Antica Macelleria Cecchini prepared by his right-hand woman Simonetta with the restaurant’s kitchen crew. Dario will greet guests and also do a butchery demo during the evening. Prices will be à la carte; to reserve, go to the restaurant’s website or call 510-768-8003.
Wednesday 11/30, 12pm-2pm ~MONTESACRO~ Pinseria 510 Stevenson (between 6th and 7th Streets), SF Special porchetta sandwiches served on Montesacro’s special pinsa bread; must be booked in advance, only 50 available. There will also be a live butchering demo from Dario for the first hour; the sandwiches will need to be preordered with the restaurant. Click to buy a ticket, $35, includes glass of wine.
Wednesday 11/30, 5:30pm-10pm ~BOULEVARD~ Restaurant 1 Mission St. at Embarcadero, SF Special dinner menu with four specialties from Antica Macelleria Cecchini, prepared by his right-hand woman Simonetta with the restaurant’s kitchen crew. Dario will greet guests, talk about his specialties, and his philosophy during the evening. Prices will be à la carte; to reserve, go to the restaurant’s website or call 415-543-6084.
Dario Cecchini at Nopa. Photo: © tablehopper.com.
