Italian "Tender Greens" Coming To Little Italy

The Santana's Mexican Food on Kettner closed last week and in its place comes a new Italian concept from two Roman transplants. Gregorio Serafini Pozzi and his business partner, Filippo Macchiarelli, are working on Cookbook Tavola Calda, which aims to launch by October.

Tavola calda, which translates to "hot table", are plentiful in Italy, particularly in Rome. The casual eateries, which are sometimes self-serve, offer pre-prepared hot or cold food, usually for takeout; they're a bit like cafeterias, only a bajillion times better.

Serafini Pozzi has a background in food and worked at restaurants in NYC and Rome, where he owned a successful catering business. He decided to relocate to San Diego and bring their concept in Little Italy because they thought the neighborhood lacked enough authentic, fast-casual and moderately-priced Italian food options.

Cookbook Tavola Calda will have about 40 seats inside and on a sidewalk patio, and offer beer and wine. A selection of antipasti and cooked food (arancini, meatballs, baked pasta, seafood, stews, grilled vegetables) will be offered daily along with Italian desserts. People can dine-in or takeout, and delivery service may be available in the future.

They owners plan to open the first Cookbook Tavola Calda by Little Italy's FESTA!, with hopes the concept might take off and multiply like an "Italian Tender Greens".
· Cookbook Tavola Calda [Official Site]
· All Plywood Report Coverage on Eater [~ESD~]

[Photo: Doug Gates]