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Health & Fitness

Enjoy a Rustic Taste of Tuscany on Jan. 23

Experience a taste of rustic Tuscany with Chef Francesco Torre of Canneti Roadhouse Italiana in Forestville, who will present a three-course menu from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Fresh Starts Fresh Events.

Before opening Canneti Roadhouse Italiana last March, Chef Francesco was the executive chef for Sausalito's Fish restaurant. At Canneti Roadhouse, he offers a California perspective on dishes inspired by his homeland. The menu:

  • Ricotta and Mascarpone Dip with Chives and Rosemary Crisps
  • Potato and Chestnut Gnocchi with Pancetta, Porcini Mushrooms and Pecorino Cheese
  • Crispy Skin Rainbow Trout, Black Rice with Butternut Squash and Chick Pea Crepes
The evening will include wine pairings from Benziger Family Winery led by Ziggy the Wine Gal of KRSH-FM Radio.

Chef Francesco learned to cook watching his grandmother in Massa, a seaside town in Tuscany. He later moved to Il Bottaccio, a two-starred Michelin restaurant in Montignoso, then to the Badia e Coltibuono winery and cooking school outside Florence. He is a certified truffle expert and sommelier.

Falling in love with California during a visit, he became acquainted with Bill Foss of Fish and worked as executive chef for TraVigne in Saint Helena. He did a stint in New York, then later joined Fish as executive chef before stumbling on the building in Forestville where he opened Canneti Roadhouse.

Chef Francesco describes his restaurant as a place where "everything recalls my rustic origins, everything is made to last," including a Carrara pastry countertop and hand-forged rotisserie/grill. It occupies a space that formerly housed Mosaic restaurant.

Tickets are $55, including dinner and wine pairing; for details and reservations visit Fresh Starts online or call 415-382-3363 x243. All proceeds support shelter and job-training programs at Homeward Bound of Marin.

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