It can be difficult finding and keeping track of all the best Italian events around San Francisco. Experiencing the most out of the local cultural scene requires that one gets out of the house to join the community, whether it be admiring Renaissance art or drinking some delicious Nero d’Avola with newly made friends. To make your life easier, each week’s upcoming and ongoing events will be featured in a Monday post, so you’ll always be informed about what’s going on. If you have any suggestions or additions, please feel free to message me via email or Twitter.
ITALIAN CULTURAL EVENTS FOR THE WEEK OF 2/6 TO 2/12
Monday, February 6
Marco Casentini Opening Reception (6:30 p.m.)
Italian Cultural Institute
898 Montgomery St., San Francisco
The personal exhibition of Italian artist Marco Casentini is on display at the Istituto from January 31 to March 30. His art, comprised of geometric shapes and colors, has been featured across Europe and the United States.
Tuesday, February 7
Meetup Aperitivo (6:00 p.m.)
83 Proof
83 1st St., San Francisco
Practice your Italiano with this fun Meetup group in one of the best downtown bars. And it's a Tuesday, so 83 Proof won't be crowded with all those rowdy business types.
The Italian Heart of a California Cook (7:00 p.m.)
Livermore Public Library
1188 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore
Join instructor and food expert Viola Buitoni as she explores her family history and how growing up Italian has shaped her cooking. The discussion will also include an exploration on implementing fresh Californian culinary techniques with traditional Italian dishes.
Wednesday, February 8
Mary Ann Esposito Presents Ciao Italia Family Classics (6:00 p.m.)
Book Passage
1 Ferry Building, San Francisco
Mary Ann Esposito, host of Ciao Italia on PBS, presents her recently published book, Ciao Italia Family Classics, at this cozy bookstore in the Ferry Building. Her renowned show first aired over 20 years ago. The book, with over 200 recipes, replicates her long history of sharing Italian cuisine.
Il mercoledì incontro (7:00 p.m.)
Cafe La Scala
1655 N. Main St., Walnut Creek
If you’d like to meet some Italian speakers over a cup of coffee in the East Bay, head over to Cafe La Scala and look for the Italian flag. You’ll quickly make some new friends at this regular Meet Up event.
Thursday, February 9
Sicily and the Amalfi Coast (1:30 p.m.)
Livermore Public Library
1188 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore
Dale Schauer hosts a discussion on the highlights of Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, including historical examinations on the influence from the Greeks, Romans and Arabs. It's beautiful and educational; perfect for kids.
Bridges to Genova: New and Old (6:30 p.m.)
Italian Cultural Institute
898 Montgomery St., San Francisco
Culinary and cultural traditions of Genova are discussed at this event. Join Monica Viarengo, Vittorio Viarengo, Giorgio Ghersi and Viola Buitoni in their lively panel, then stay for a performance by Genovese guitarist Giacomo Fiore.
Saturday, February 11
Parliamo!
Blue Danube Coffee House
1333 Park St., Alameda
Join this fun Meetup group and practice your Italiano with some new friends. The Blue Danube is arguably one of the best coffee institutions in the Bay Area.
Masters of Venice: A Masked Ball (8:00 p.m.)
The de Young Museum
Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., San Francisco
If you haven't yet checked out the Masters of Venice exhibition (see below), this classy evening mixer may be the perfect motivator. Italian-inspired cocktails, exuberant performers and hors d'oeuvres (hey, that's French) complement your finest Venetian mask and formal attire. Even more impressive: The festivities occur in the presence of great works of art. A VIP ticket gets you in an hour earlier with access to the private lounge with food and wine.
Sunday, February 12
Jewelry Trunk Show: "Lady from Venice" (4:00 p.m.)
Museo Italo Americano
Fort Mason Center, Bldg. C, San Francisco
Venetian jewelry maker Dale Levy creates art from beautiful glass beads in her studio near Piazza San Marco. Twenty percent of sales goes to the Museo, a worthy cause. Pick up a nice bracelet for a loved one before Valentine's Day, or just get something pretty for yourself.
ONGOING EVENTS
November 17 - February 19
Bernini's Medusa at the Legion of Honor
Legion of Honor
100 34th Ave., San Francisco
Bernini's Medusa makes her way to San Francisco, on loan via the Musei Capitolini in Rome. For more info and photos of this poignant piece of work, check out this article on Bernini's Medusa at the Legion of Honor.
November 17 - February 19
John Grillo: The Birth of Abstract Expressionism
Museo Italo Americano
Fort Mason Center, Bldg. C, San Francisco
The Museo Italo Americano celebrates an artist who is not only Italian-American, but also Italian-San Franciscan. John Grillo was an active artist during the post-war period when art was shifting from the “old world” to the new. His resulting style was regarded as a “truly homegrown art style,” with its inventiveness and dramatic intensity. Here are five reasons to visit the Museo Italo Americano.
October 29 - February 12
Masters of Venice: Renaissance Painters of Passion and Power
The de Young Museum
Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., San Francisco
The ongoing exhibition at the de Young Museum presents 50 Renaissance-era paintings by great Venetian painters on loan from the Gemäldegalerie of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The exhibit includes artists primarily from the sixteenth century, including Titian, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Mantegna and more.
January 31 - March 30
Marco Casentini Opening Reception
Italian Cultural Institute
898 Montgomery St., San Francisco
The personal exhibition of Italian artist Marco Casentini is on display at the Istituto from January 31 to March 30. His art, comprised of geometric shapes and colors, has been featured across Europe and the United States.
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