This Thursday February 18th, ~OTTIMISTA-ENOTECA CAFÉ~ is hosting Paolo Cantele of Cantele in Puglia (Cantele is located on the Salento peninsula, which literally forms the high heel of Italy’s boot). Paolo will spend the evening pouring and discussing the latest vintages of his family’s wines (a range of Cantele wines will be available by the glass and half glass, along with a tasting flight of all the wines). The à la carte menu for the evening will feature dishes inspired by the Puglia region. 5pm-9pm.
Then on Sunday February 28th, Ottimista is hosting Roberto Focardi and Andrea Fabbri of La Parrina of Maremma Toscana, a biodynamic farm just minutes from the sea in Southern Tuscany. Six wines will be paired with chef Glen Tinsley’s seasonal six-course menu, inspired by his time last summer in La Parrina’s kitchen. In fact, Glen was so inspired by the Parrina estate and the local cuisine that he will return this spring to run La Parrina’s restaurant for the season. As a special treat, Roberto and Andrea are bringing some of Parrina’s limited production sheep’s milk blue cheese, Guttus, to pair with their equally rare vin santo for a heavenly final course. You can read the entire menu here. 6:30pm aperitivi; 7pm dinner. $65, not inclusive of tax and gratuity. Seating is limited to 30 guests. To make a reservation, call 415-674-8400.
If you can’t make the La Parrina dinner, you can still enjoy the wines! From 4:30pm to 6pm on Sunday February 28th, Roberto and Andrea will be down the block at Ottimista’s sister shop, Spuntino, pouring the full wine line-up. All Parrina wines will be available for retail purchase at 10% off.
