First Post ... and a Plug for Puccini

I think it's incredibly difficult to come up with something witty for the first post of a blog, so I won't even try. I'm not sure why I finally gave in to starting a food blog, but this will be an excellent excuse for me to eat out more (something I already do to a good extent) and expand my cooking experiments (note that I said "experiments"). Or maybe I won't feel as silly taking photos of my food. In any case, I just want to say welcome and that I really hope you enjoy everything that I post. And let me know if you have any suggestions. Bon appetit!

As a simple first post, I'm just going to put in a plug for Puccini and Pinetti, an Italian restaurant near Union Square with colorful decor, great service, and hearty food. They also have great happy hour specials (4-6 PM on weekdays): $3 beers and wines, and $3 to $4 appetizers with such generous portions that you might as well call it a light dinner.

Back left: Pasta nachos with asiago cream sauce, tomatoes, basil, kalamata olives, parmesan, and mozzarella ($3). Front: Cripsy calamari with zucchini, fennel, onion, lemon, and sweet tomato aioli ($3). Right: Flatbread pizza ($4).

Close-up shot of the calamari

My favorite by far would be the pasta nachos, which have just the right amount of cream sauce and mozzarella with a generous amount of toppings. Definitely goes well with any beer (and Puccini happens to have Stella Artois, another favorite of mine).

So if you're ever in the area and need a midday snack, check this place out!

Puccini & Pinetti
129 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 392-5500
www.pucciniandpinetti.com