Buon giorno! Yes, I am furiously prepping for my trip to Italy and trying to integrate as much Italian as possible into my daily banter. My father is already on his way to Rome, and I’ll be leaving for SFO at the ungodly hour of 5am tomorrow morning. I mean, really, why sleep? That was sadly the theme this weekend as I had to slog through my 2012 taxes (one of the worst parts of being a small-business owner, truly) and write a slew of columns and articles that are due while I am traveling. Deadlines, deadlines. Fortunately I got all that shit signed, sealed, and delivered, so it’s time to pack!
I’ll be in Rome for 24 hours (gotta find the best amatriciana, my favorite pasta), then my father and I are heading to Calabria to be with our family (commence a terrifying amount of food consumption), and then making our way up to Chianti at the tail end of the trip to experience the gorgeous Il Paluffo. A jaunt to Lipari is also being discussed; we’ll let the weather gods decide. Per usual, I’ll be posting pics of my adventures and meals on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, take your pick!
As you can guess, tablehopper will be going dark until Friday October 11th, which is a few days after I return. So, publicists and people pitching me, plllllease hold off on emailing me about any event coverage between now and then, grazie. No guarantees about getting anything in the October 11th issue—Tuesday October 15th is more likely. Anything to keep my email from exploding while I’m away (cleanup in aisle seven!), please and thanks.
A few tidbits for you: first, thanks to the Examiner for this piece about my gay singles event, appreciate the coverage!
I also put together my first Mosey! It’s a cool new site that features walking adventures curated by locals who are passionate about all kinds of things, from history to music to fashion to food. I created one around some of my favorite San Francisco classics to eat and drink, check it out. I’ll be doing more in coming months—Moseying and tablehopping are pretty simpatico.
So one of the reasons I am returning home when I am is that I committed to emceeing a very important event on October 10th: the Actions Speak Louder Than Pink: Food for Thought event. It’s in support of Think Before You Pink, a project from Breast Cancer Action, an organization that advocates for action against breast cancer (not merely awareness) and demands more transparency and accountability in breast cancer fundraising. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I hope you’ll consider joining me at this dinner (check out the chef lineup!) and fundraiser.
Lastly, on a somber note, I was very sad to read on Eater that William “Chili Bill” Eichinger recently passed away. He was a longtime bartender at Finnegan’s Wake, and would occasionally email me about his many restaurant finds (he was such an avid diner). So very sad. Finnegan’s is hosting a “going away party” in honor of Bill this Saturday September 28th from 2pm-6pm (no all-black attire requested). I hope he’s enjoying a big plate of dumplings right now. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Yeah, life is short. Which is why I’m taking this last-minute trip with my Dad—work can wait. Italia, we’re coming for you!
Ciao tutti! Marcia Gagliardi
I’m heading to the land of ‘nduja. It’s a magical place. Photo: © tablehopper.com.View tablehopper Newsletter from Tuesday, Sep 24 2013
