Due to the coronavirus emergency situation, San Francisco restaurants understand that the foodie community can’t just rely on supermarkets for their groceries—especially for specialty Italian goodies that are not widely available. Finely sliced prosciutto and mortadella? Fresh mozzarella di bufala? Can we survive a long quarantine without these delicacies?
That is why many restaurants have started to convert themselves into alimentari. This move has made it possible for small businesses to survive during the lockdown. Further, grocery shopping through local restaurants is more sanitary and safer than waiting in long lines and wandering the aisles of big supermarkets.
Full disclosure: as part of a family-owned Italian restaurant group in San Francisco (Montesacro and 54Mint), my husband and I knew that making some products available for food lovers and the Italian community would be valuable and special. San Franciscans can shop online or call for curbside pickup, adding a big chunk of pecorino cheese or a make-at-home Negroni kit to any order.
Dispensa: Farmers market pizza in teglia feeds up to 4 people
One of the most prompt alimentari conversions came from chef Anthony Strong, owner of Prairie, a modern restaurant blending Italian and Japanese cuisines in the Mission neighborhood. Strong and his team started a “general store” immediately after Mayor London Breed announced the shelter-in-place mandate about two weeks ago. They are offering prepared meals (like beef cheek pappardelle) as well as essentials (fresh bread, eggs, Parmigiano Reggiano, and wine).
Chef Anthony Strong - PRAIRIE (ph Aubrie Pick)
It’s possible to order fresh lasagna and tortellini from The Italian Homemade Company and meringhe from the talented cook at Dispensa. To support local farms and Italian producers, Chez Panisse has organized a pick-up point for farm boxes and pantry goods. Craving artisanal gelato? Gio Gelati is still making daily batches of its popular flavors, like stracciatella and pistacchio, which are available for curbside pickup, delivery or even starting a membership to receive gelato at home every two weeks.
The Italian Homemade Company Meal Boxes
cover image courtesy of The Italian Homemade Company