Piccino

A chance encounter led me to Piccino. My husband met Margherita Stewart Sagan, one of the two owners of Piccino, and Loring Sagan, Margherita's husband and designer of the space while bike riding on Mt. Tam. Margherita gave him a tour of the space, but we did not have the opportunity to try the food until this week.

We arrived just as Piccino opened, which is about the only time you will see this venue uncrowded. The smartly designed space was modern and clean and the atmosphere felt warm, especially as our friendly server approached the table. He was nonjudgmental of our casual attire and happily corked the special wine we brought for the occasion. We enjoyed everything we ate! The tangy dried plums were a surprise flavor as they mingled with the poached egg's warm yolk that topped Roman-style gnocchi. Meyer lemon brightened the earthy pappardelle pasta with mushrooms and spinach. We finished the meal with espresso in handmade cups and kumquat cheesecake that was eaten too fast to photograph. One of my favorite things about Piccino was the lack of pretentious attitude, allowing the outstanding food to shine. I am already looking forward to my next visit.