Original socialite event listing:
Last month when “The Perfect” video I did with CHOW.com on Farina’s pesto was posted, I had people telling me for weeks afterwards how the video made them crave that pesto something fierce. (I have one friend who went in for it the very next day). Well, crave no longer, because I am going to be hosting a special night at Farina, ~FESTA DEL PESTO~! The fine folks at Farina wanted to make this an affordable tablehop to Liguria, so anyone can come in and try their signature and handcrafted dishes the night of the event.
On the menu: first, you can start with the famed Focaccia di Recco, stracchino cheese melted between two layers of thin bread dough, normally $16, but tonight, only $8. I usually sit right next to the ovens so I can smell this baking the entire time I am there.
Then, the famed Mandilli di Seta al Pesto Genovese, handmade handkerchief pasta with Genovese basil pesto. One of my favorite dishes in the City, so silken and savory. The handmade pasta is really something special. And the pesto, well, you know it’s good when it’s a world champion. See what all the fuss is about. For the Festa del Pesto, it’s only $10 (normally $20).
You can also try the Filetto di San Pietro alla Ligure con Olive Taggiasche, pan-seared John Dory filet served in a Ligurian-style sauce of white wine, Italian pine nuts, cherry tomatoes, and Taggiasche olives. The special price will be $15, normally $28.
For dessert, don’t end the night without trying the Latte Dolce Fritto: Genovese sweet-milk fritters served with citrus salad and blood orange-vanilla sauce ($4, normally $8). Perfetto!
A big grazie to Siena Imports, who is generously providing us with a pinot bianco “Schulthauser” DOC from St. Michael Eppan (Alto Adige) at an affordable price. This award-winning medium-bodied wine has a lively acidity that is going to pair beautifully with the evening’s specials. Salud!
Guests can call Farina at 415-565-0360 or book online to make a reservation for any time during the evening—you’ll probably find me perched at the counter starting at 6pm, so do come say hello! You can order anything you want off the regular menu, but we wanted to offer guests (and many first-timers!) the signature Farina dishes at a price that’s hard to refuse!
Ci vediamo presto alla festa del pesto!
