An Italian Chef, Grazie!

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An Italian Chef, Grazie!

July 24, 2012 by orvietoorbust

It’s already bad enough that I have to be so far away from Italy right now, but on top of that, I’m completely tortured by the separation from the food in her restaurants!

San Francisco is a big, big foodie city known for its fine, cutting-edge dining, exquisite winemaking, and a strong, Italian-American heritage. Whenever possible, I eat in Italian restaurants but honestly, lately there seems to be something missing. The Olive Garden just isn’t cutting it for me any more.

Dining in Italy is the sum of its parts; a package deal where food and wine don’t tell the whole story – relationship, personal connection and graciousness are also part of the equation. When I am in San Francisco it’s not so surprising then, that the places I feel the most comfortable and want to frequent are those owned, operated and staffed by native Italians. Ristorante Ideale in North Beach is one of my favorites. (Read 7 Tastes of Italy). Owner and Chef Maurizio Bruschi creates a scene that makes the walk through his door, a walk into Rome.

…and then there was dinner last evening at Ristobar in the Marina District. The food was amazing in taste and presentation, but the icing on the cake was a personal visit to the table from the new Chef de Cuisine, Michele Belotti from Bergamo – young, talented and an artist with food. I was transported again…this time just a little farther to the north.

Ristorante Ideale: http://www.idealerestaurant.com/; 1315 Grant Ave, SF 94133 (415)391-4129

Ristobar: http://www.ristobarsf.com/; 300 Chestnut Street, SF 94123; (415) 923-6464

by Toni DeBella

Posted in Expat in Italy, Food in Italy, Italians, Italy, Orvieto, Rome, Travel | Tagged Bergamo, chef de cuisine, food, Italian chefs, Marina District, Maurizio Bruschi, Michele Belotti, restaurants, Ristobar, Ristorante Ideale, San Francisco food, tastes of italy, The Olive Garden, travel | 8 Comments

8 Responses

on July 24, 2012 at 6:01 am | Reply janinevasta

I hear you Toni!! Melbourne fits the same description as SF as far as food culture is concerned and yet, for me, there’s no comparison with Italy. At least for me, and it’s just such a personal thing I know. But when you’ve tasted the best – the produce, the food that feels effortless and natural, the atmosphere, the antics, the people watching, the endlessly fascinating passing parade, the seasons, the feel of the street as you stroll home – where do you go but back ‘home’.
- on July 24, 2012 at 6:26 am | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Janine…yes, nothing compares. You can take us out of Italy, but you can’t take Italy out of us! hugs. t
on July 24, 2012 at 6:28 am | Reply Dominique Rosenberg

I love Ristobar! We got a visit from Chef MIchele too…he was amazed that we had actually visited & stayed in Bergamo! Their taleggio fondue appetizer with salted brioche is amazing!!! Buon appetito!
on July 24, 2012 at 6:44 am | Reply orvietoorbust

Ristobar is the transformed name of Rulli and I think it works. New name, new superstar chef…..what a nice guy Michele is. Let’s get together soon, D. t
on July 24, 2012 at 7:25 am | Reply lindyloumacinitaly

You are right the whole eating experience is so very important here.
- on July 24, 2012 at 7:27 am | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Grazie Dio for that! xxo toni
on July 24, 2012 at 3:50 pm | Reply Carol Solfanelli

Ristobar’s the best! And with a cute chef to boot.:)
- on July 24, 2012 at 4:25 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Yes, and what a sweetheart. t