Zero Zero, San Francisco 3/28/11

Zero Zero is the newest neighbor to Lulu just west of the meteron. An excellent choice for those going to the giants game and want a good pizza with lots of wine and beer selections. The owner of Picco in Marin opened this up to compete with the likes of Tony's, Una Napoletena and Beretta. Unfortunately his recipe has to much white flour and not enough flavor and falls third to


Atmosphere: Large restaurant with most of the smaller sitting in the top level. Large loud bar with lots of booth seating was located on the bottom. Great art work and lighting decorates the entire space. Very elegant but not stuffy.

Service: 4 out of 5 spoons
Great service and knowledgeable waitstaff. They were really able to handle the crowds and still be present at each and every table. The wait staff was knowledgeable of the food but unfortunately not about what they had behind the bar. Secondly, if your going to open a Italian inspired restaurant you should have more than one grappa.

Food: 4 out of 5 forks
Food Comments: Good food with some misunderstood twists. The appetizer was a meal in itself and couldn't be purchased for that amount at any grocery store.

Appetizers:

(Mr.)
American Ham-La Quercia Prosciutto Americano (IA)...................12.95
Benton Country Ham (TN), Olli Speck (VA)
Red Pepper Marmalade, Grilled Bread, Arugula

(Mrs.)
Bruschetta with Avocado, Manadori Balsamic, Spicy Coppa...........4.75

Entree:

(Mr.)
Margherita Extra............................................................................14.95
Tomato Sauce, Basil, Buffalo Mozzarella, Parmesan
and De Padova Olive Oil

(Mrs.)
Castro.....................................................................................................14.95
Sopressata, House Made Sausage, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Basil

Wine Paring: 2007 Montepulciano Cantina Tollo Abruzzo Glass: $7

The wine is a rich and dark purple hued colored wine. Very thick tannins and large alcohol legs dress this red wine. It is a full bodied red with good structure and a hint of oak and vanilla. The majority of the profile is of large ripe fruit and balanced acidity. A steal in a bottle format if you can find it in SF but not so much in a per glass format.

3 out of 5 corks a medium selection of obscure Italian wines with good profiles at very reasonable retail prices. But the markup for the wines seems out of the ordinary and unexpected. Bring you own wine if your unfamiliar with Italian wine and or grape varietal.

Favorite dish (of Mr.): The Charcutterie plate. Its a steal.

Favorite dish (of Mrs.):Margherita Extra perfectly crusted but wished it had more flavor in the crust.

Cost: 40 per person with wine (Tax and Tip Included)

About: Cantina Tollo Abruzzo Retail for Bottle: $9.00 dollars

Cantina Tollo is located in the small town of tollo in the Abruzzo region of italy. Cantina Tollo was founded in 1960 from the initiative of a small group of people, who wanted to give value to an old tradition and try with enthusiasm, a new experience. Every choice, initiative, and innovation, have been made to achieve excellence in quality.

In 1962, the first great step was taken: the wine-making methods. After ten years came the bottling, the invention of a brand and the creation of a new identity to introduce Cantina Tollo to the final consumer.

Then with the help of an experienced oenologist they blended tradition and technology to start the production of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and of the Cerasuolo wines.