Che Fico Alimentari

The trio behind award-winning Che Fico opens an homage to the artisans of Italy.

Inspired by the wine bars of Rome, Che Fico Alimentari is an offshoot of the successful restaurant Che Fico, from partners Chef David Nayfeld, Chef Angela Pinkerton and Matt Brewer. Alimentari continues in the trio’s mission of providing a convivial and inviting space to gather with friends to share food, wine and warm hospitality.

Food

The food at Che Fico Alimentari is casual, rustic, enoteca-style fare, all intended to be enjoyed with wine. The menu showcases an expansive list of house-made and imported salumi, domestic and Italian cheeses, antipasti, seafood dishes, and classic pasta preparations. Heartier main courses, or Secondi, include Braised Short Ribs and Suckling Pig. Executive Pastry Chef Angela Pinkerton extends beyond sweets at Alimentari with house-baked breads including Focaccia and Ciabatta. The desserts lean toward the traditional with gelati and sorbetti, freshly spun in a variety of flavors and other seasonally changing items.

Wine

Wine Director Francesca Maniace, who has spent time working with Francesco Grosso at Marea and Shelley Lindgren at A16, built a list representing many of the twenty regions of Italy with a focus on Piedmont, Tuscany and Sicily allowing guests to explore the country’s many indigenous grape varietals. With more than 200 selections to start, the list not only showcases an extensive range of Italian wines but also a deeper exploration from some of Maniace’s favorite producers, offering a greater range of wines from each. There is something for everyone whether it is a more affordable bottle made from an obscure native grape or a rare collector’s bottle including special bottles that can only be found at the restaurant.

Retail

Dedicated retail offerings provide guests with the opportunity to continue their Che Fico Alimentari experience at home. A selection of Italian pantry items are available such as olive oils, vinegars, dried pastas, flour, grains, spices and herbs. All throughout the restaurant, more than 200 wines are on display, many of which will be available for retail purchase by summer. A grab-and-go counter at the restaurant’s entrance houses Che Fico salumi, local and Italian-imported cheeses, a selection of housemade antipasti, loaves of freshly baked breads, as well as Pinkerton’s confections including cannolis, tiramisu by the slice, gelati and sorbetti by the scoop, and Che Fico’s signature chocolate bars.

Design

San Francisco-based Jon de la Cruz of DLC ID extended the spirit of Che Fico to the more cozy and intimate Alimentari space downstairs. Che Fico’s signature red adorns the walls while its chevron arrow pattern acts as an accent feature behind the counter. Dark wooden shelving housing food and wine items line the walls throughout the space creating the feel of a Roman-style market. In front of the open kitchen is a 12-seat counter where guests can watch chefs slicing meats and plating fresh cheeses and with a flexible layout, the dining room can easily be adjusted to accommodate intimate private parties or larger group events.