In The News

Wednesday, November 26, 2005 (SF Chronicle)

More Restaurant Openings

By Laura Compton

The cuisine: Boldly flavored Italian "small bites" and "bigger bites" include house-cured salmon, charcuterie and cheese plates; braised pork on mascarpone polenta and truffled risotto with wild mushrooms, and homey desserts like apple galette..

Wine pairings from the 200-bottle list are recommended for each dish; the 25 wines by the glass list focus on small Italian producers.

The team: Co-owners are Melissa Gisler and sommelier Jerad Ruhl. Executive chef Mark Young has cooked at the Slow Club and Slanted Door.

The vibe: Cow Hollow convivial, but neighborhood scenesters jockey to order Pinot instead of pints. The 40-seat space features a marble-topped bar, rough-hewn wood beams, exposed plaster walls and fresco map of Italy. The patio accommodates 20.

Ottimista Enoteca-Cafe, 1838 Union St. (near Laguna Street); San Francisco; (415) 674-8400. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday; lunch Tuesday-Friday; brunch weekends. Full bar. Reservations for 8 or more. Starters, $4-$15; entrees, $10-$14; desserts, $7.

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