Scattered throughout Italy, there are thousands of paese (small towns) all of them unique in their own ways and cultures. The one constant you will find in each, however, is the piazza- the central meeting place for the paesani as they embark on their evening caminatta (stroll). In the piazza they gather to discuss la politica (politics), il calcio (soccer), and of course le novita del paese (gossip). If you are looking for someone don’t fret, just relax in the piazza and you will soon see them walk by. Since opening in 2002, Sapore has become the piazza on Burlingame Avenue where you will find friends gathered in lively conversation, as likely in Italian as in English.

Elio and his partner Giampiero (John) Scarcella share a passion for traditional Italian food and culture as well as the common bond of Calabrian roots. Both Elio and Giampiero hail from neighboring villages in the far Southern province of Calabria where for generations traditional rustic dishes made from local ingredients have been prepared daily in each home by la mama. Today we call this farm to table, in the old country this is called caserecce.

The daily menu at Sapore Italiano features this “caserecce” style of cooking, inspired by the traditional dishes on which Elio and Giampiero were raised. Sapore takes great pride in using only the best ingredients to create weekly seasonal specials which reflect the regional diversity of Italy from North to South.

Ciao-- and see you at Sapore after your next caminatta on the Avenue!