The History of Cioppino: A North Beach Original
Cioppino is more than a stew; it is the history of San Francisco's Italian fisherman in a bowl. Originating from the wharves...
Wine PairingChoosing the Perfect Wine for Spaghetti Vongole
Clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. The simplicity of Spaghetti Vongole demands a wine that cuts through the richness...
TechniqueThe Art of Fresh Pasta: Why Handmade Matters
In a world of dried, boxed convivence, the texture of fresh, egg-based pasta is a revelation. At Franchino, we roll our own...
Local GuideSan Francisco's Italian Heritage: A Walking Tour
From the steps of Saints Peter and Paul Church to the caffe aroma of Columbus Avenue, North Beach is a living museum...
IngredientsOlive Oil Tasting 101: Understanding Region and Terroir
Not all Extra Virgin Olive Oil is created equal. A Tuscan oil brings a peppery kick, while a Sicilian oil offers notes of tomato...
RecipesThe Roman Carbonara: No Cream Allowed
We need to talk about Carbonara. The authentic Roman recipe contains four ingredients: Pecorino Romano, Guanciale, Black Pepper...
Culinary HistorySunday Gravy vs Marinara: What is the Difference?
Is it sauce or is it gravy? The debate has raged in Italian-American households for decades. We break down the slow-cooked...
CultureDining Etiquette: The Italian Way
In Italy, dining is a ritual, not a refueling stop. From never cutting your spaghetti to the order of digestivos...