In charming Sausalito just across the bay from San Francisco, Poggio is one of the top 100 restaurants in the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The Italian trattoria loved by locals and tourists alike is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a special series of dinners this fall. Poggio celebrates with "10 Nights of Poggio Festival" beginning on October 9, 2013 and running through November 14, 2013 when the annual "Festa di Tartufo" kicks off.
Proprietor Larry Mindel, Managing Partner Amy Svendberg and Executive Chef Benjamin Balesteri have collaborated with guest chefs, winemakers, and friends of Poggio past and present to bring a month-long festival to diners. Fixed price menus for a three- or four-course dinner are $45 per person, accompanied by selected wine pairings. Reserve via Open Table or call Poggio at 777 Bridgeway in Sausalito, telephone: (415) 332-7771.
A Family Reunion
Who: Peter McNee (former Executive Chef, Poggio) and Nicholas Nahigian (Perbacco)
When: Wednesday, October 9, 2013
What: Chefs Balesteri and McNee are reuniting for a special collaboration joined by Poggio’s original Wine Director, Nicholas Nahigian, selecting the best of the Poggio cellars to curate unique wine pairings.
An Evening With Marimar
Who: Marimar Torres (Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery)
When: Thursday, October 10, 2013
What: Esteemed California winemaker and Spanish chef Marimar Torres brings her culinary skills to the kitchen and her Marimar Estate wines to the table.
Heart of Tuscany
Who: Romano Chietti (Siena Imports)
When: Wednesday, October 16, 2013
What: Romano Chietti, proprietor of Siena Imports, supplier of fine Italian wines is collaborating with Balesteri on a menu of Tuscan classics from his native Siena.
Piemontese at Poggio
Who: Umberto Gibin and Staffan Terje (Perbacco & barbacco)
When: Thursday, October 17, 2013
What: A collaboration with Balesteri to bring Piemonte to Poggio. Known for his impeccable hospitality over three decades, Gibin has curated a special selection of Italian wines to complement the menu.
Back to the Boot
Who: Amy Svendberg and Benjamin Balesteri (Poggio)
When: Thursday, October 24, 2013
What: Executive Chef Benjamin Balesteri and Managing Partner Amy Svendberg highlight the finest chef’s recipes and wines from their recent trip to Italy and Poggio’s seasonal Northern Italian fare featuring select new regional dishes.
Cindy’s Italian Barbecue
Who: Cindy Pawlcyn (Mustards Grill, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, Cindy Pawlcyn’s Wood Grill & Wine Bar)
When: Wednesday, October 30, 2013
What: Famed Napa restaurateur Cindy Pawlcyn brings her renowned barbecue to Poggio with Balesteri for a selection of dishes roasted on Poggio’s wood-fired spiedo (spit) accompanied by Italian accoutrements. barbecue.
Mayors Night
Who: Sausalito Mayors and the Willow Creek Foundation
When: Wednesday, November 6, 2013
What: Balesteri’s menu will benefit the Willow Creek Foundation, supporting the Willow Creek Academy, Sausalito’s award-winning kindergarten through 8th grade Public Charter School.
A Ligurian Serata
Who: Tony Diiorio (Poggio)
When: Thursday, November 7, 2013
What: Poggio’s star bartender and partner Tony Diiorio steps from behind the bar into the kitchen to prepare favorite dishes from his native Liguria paired with his signature Negronis.
Two Birthdays, One Kitchen
Who: Joanne Weir and Gonzalo Rivera (Copita Tequileria y Comida)
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2013
What: Poggio teams up with sister restaurant Copita Tequilera y Comida to celebrate that restaurant's first birthday. See what happens when margaritas meet Negronis for a fantastic pairing of Balesteri, Copita Executive Chef Gonzalo Rivera and Maestra de Cocina Joanne Weir.
Festa di Tartufo Comincia
Who: Benjamin Balesteri (Poggio)
When: Thursday, November 14, 2013
What: Poggio marks the beginning of their annual Festa di Tartufo with the debut of the special white truffles of Italy seasonal menu.
Salute Sausalito! Buon Compleanno Poggio!
