Revisited…
The second time around is always better than the first. I was greeted like a friend who has been away too long from the owner, Michelle, along with his staff. As usual, Michelle is bright and sunny and is greeting me with a Syrah from the region my ancestors have come from. It is a Sicilian Syrah. The color is intense red accompanied by a fearless bite. I am getting started in a gentle, passionate Italian way. Michelle is a sunshine broker from Italy. The sun is the source of life. I salute the sun…not even the ocean would exist without it.
The timing couldn’t be better. It has been a long and lonely winter. It has also been a long time, but Capannina, as I recall means hut. It is nice to be home. Fresh flowers greet you in the doorway. Capannina is such an elegant hut. Stefano, one of the headwaiters at Capannina, practically shows up at every review I do in the Bay Area. A couple from Tuscany that is in the food and wine business is dining here at Capannina. The last time I sat on the other side of the room. I see how simple change is. Four women are chatting and a couple are seriously contemplating and conversing. A frozen squiggly white glacier cloud formation chandelier hangs above me. The sun is always shining here at Capannina.
The zucchini blossoms are filled with fresh ricotta and tomato sauce from Capri. Spring just started for me when the zucchini blossoms hit my palate. It is the end of May and it is never too late for spring. Zucchini blossoms are a whole cuisine in itself. It can be used in pasta or it can be stuffed in shrimp soup. In this country, they throw it away, although, it is beginning to become popular. The taste of zucchini blossoms is subtle and memorable. Ravioli Concarciofi is ravioli stuffed with artichoke with an artichoke reduction containing spring vegetables. The ravioli is so tender it will make you feel like a Bumbino.
An Aglianico grape from Terrdora is grown in the soil where Mt. Vesuvious Volcano rests. The Greeks bought the Aglianico grape to this region of the world. Thank you… Aglianico wine is in a category by itself. The best quality grapes off the vine are: Orwellaia, Super Tuscan, 2003, Sasscaia, 2003, and Brunello Silvio Warsi, Manachiara, 2001.
Don’t forget, the end of October to the second week of November is orgasmic white truffle extravaganza at Capannina. Michelle goes around with a bottle, he then opens it and lets the customers smell it. After that, they order the dish they prefer with the white truffle. Every time I come here, there is a complete education on Italy, people, cuisine, and culture. Love is contagious… I love San Francisco and Capannina supports and sparks that love. Spring is festive at Capannina.
Care, care, care. Warm, warm, warm. Whatever. Capannina is your friend. Of course, the icing on the cake is a mini cannoli. The shells and filling are both made on the premises. This tastes great along with a Beny Tart and espresso cream. There is most definitely much, much treasure in this hut.
