David Hagedorn

Last weekend, we had a quick getaway to San Remo, Italy for lunch with a friend, @lukelombardo2.0.

We did some shopping first. The restaurant was terrific, called @picocentrale. Our friend had gone there days before to talk to the owner, Gianmarco, and the chef, Giuseppe, and entreat them to have porcinis, which are just coming into season.

They had some just for us, which Luke suggested we have fried. They were otherworldly, their crunchy crust sealing in the aromatic flesh, which had become molten and custardy like marrow.

Gianfranco showed us the white truffles—also just in season— they had on hand and who could resist? Shaved truffle slices rained over bowls of buttered fresh tagliolini (they weigh the truffle before and after so they know what to charge), and if there’s a finer dish to be had, I’ve not yet encountered it.

Pico Centrale is a real find (locals know to go in the fall and winter to avoid summertime tourist mobs), so don’t miss it on your next trip to San Remo.

PS: There is a terrific designer outlet outside of town, and I’m still bitter about being talked out of a 700€ Burberry trench in May. 🤩

#sanremo #weekendgetaway #porcini #expat #expatlife Less

In our Brooklyn travels, we stumbled by accident into a trattoria called @pizzasecret Pizzeria & Cucina Napoletana, ranked the 16th Best Pizzeria by @50toppizza USA.🍕

I discovered that after we ordered everything but pizza, so I made up for the error by adding a Quattro Formaggi, which turned out to be one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. That crust could have floated into the air, it was so light.

We were alone there (it was about 4 pm) until a busload of 28 people came in—it was one of four stops that day as part of @scottspizzatours, where I chatted with Scott himself, who told me all about chef Rosario Granieri’s talent (and his father’s before him.)

Scott knows his stuff, so take his tour when next in NYC. Pizza Secret was one of four places on the tour that day, so you know it must be damn good.

#pizzasecret #quattroformaggi #pizzanapoletana #nycpizza Less

We usually celebrate our anniversary @fioladc, but this year there was a special surprise. They took us to the rooftop as the sun was setting and chef and owner @fabiotrabocchi was there to greet us and wish us well. It was truly touching and brought back a flood of beautiful memories.

Dinner downstairs was spectacular, thanks to the always gracious staff and @chefantoniomermolia’s extraordinary cooking. Bread piping hot out of the oven, the most divine oysters I’ve ever had, gossamer-like gnocchi, exquisite lamb.

They even brought out cake lollipops, a reference to our wedding there in 2013. Fiola is eating better than ever. A memory we will never forget. Less

Last week, after a long day packing up the house, we went to our dear Michelin-starred @tailupgoat, two blocks away.

We had completely forgotten it was Restaurant Week. @jillmarietyler found us a lovely table, and we had what may have been the best of all the many wonderful meals we had at this charming neighborhood spot, where Chef Jon Sybert’s cooking has shone through the years.

Plus the usual tiptop service - how lucky we were to have Tail Up Goat in our own backyard.

#tailupgoat #dceats #restaurantweek #michelinstar Less