There’s a new project from the IL CASARO team (Francesco Covucci and Peter Fazio) in their former Vicoletto location in North Beach, and now they have opened PASTA POP-UP, although it’s actually going to be permanent. Anyway, the idea is that it’s supposed to be an easy place to swing by, maybe you just want a plate of pasta and you want to head home. Or maybe you want to enjoy some wine and graze through some snacks with your friend. Maybe you want it all.
The good news is you can have it all, because they worked really hard to keep the prices low and affordable (no pasta is over $14 on the current/soft-opening menu, subject to change). But they didn’t want to sacrifice quality or good food ethics either, so any seafood is sustainable, and their ingredients are local.
And they’re making the pasta in-house! There’s rosemary pappardelle with slow-braised lamb shoulder and tomato sauce, and gnocchi Bolognese (yes, please), and spaghetti with clams. Oh yeah, and there’s squid ink spaghetti with clams, mussels, squid, and cherry tomatoes. Sign me up for that too.
Starters include calamari fritti, ‘nduja-stuffed potato croquettes, broccolini, a salad, and more—nothing is over $7. You’ll have a varied list of Italian wines by the glass to choose from, plus some beers too. Covucci tells me they are also going to be integrating a charitable component into the business; stand by for more on that. The place got a little refresh and feels a bit warmer, although it was always a cozy little spot. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-10pm. 550 Green St. at Stockton, 415-433-5800.
Also in the news: they have decided on what they’re going to call the project they’re opening in the former Panta Rei: BARBARA. And if you click through, you’ll see they are planning to serve Roman-style pinsas. And cocktails. They’re targeting an opening at the end of February. I’ll be updating you with details on the project soon! 431 Columbus Ave. at Vallejo.
And for Castro residents eagerly awaiting the opening of the second IL CASARO on Church, it’s looking like February as well. Cin cin! 235 Church St. at Market.
Beet spaghetti with burrata at Pasta Pop-Up. Photo courtesy of Francesco Covucci.
