27084 Mon Dec 22 22:16:25 -0800 2003 2 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 111196 Last weekend's holiday parties offered up the chance to try a variety of treats from Emporio Rulli. I loved both the Milanese and Genovese panettone. The Genovese is compact and dense with a variety of dried fruits, very different from the almond-crusted airy and eggy MIlanese. The panforte is softer and more sticky than the ones I've had from Siena, but it was easier to cut this way. Also liked the polenta cake too. A giant ricotta mold was special ordered from Cowgirl Creamery. It was beautiful adorned with pomegranate seeds atop for color and sliced autumnal fruits at the base. This was served with a pot of honey. Had the chance to try a couple fresh high quality nigori sakes too purchased from True Sake on Hayes St. But unfortunately, didn't keep track of the producers. The sweeter one was almost a good match with the Milanese panettone. The dryer one was very good with the ham and biscuits on the buffet table. Mon Dec 22 22:16:25 -0800 2003 0 Melanie Wong 1 111201 There is a marvelous and varied selection of panettone and panforte at the Pasta Shop in Berkeley. Great cheese selection with opportunity for pre-purchase tasting. Link: http://www.4thstreetshop.com/pages/pasta_shop.html Mon Dec 22 23:38:18 -0800 2003 111196 0 Ken Hoffman 2 111203 It's been a while since I've shopped there, but the Pasta Shop has some good Italian connections for truffles, cheeses, and I'm sure the best panettone and panforte to. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/19208#63548 Mon Dec 22 23:52:25 -0800 2003 111201 0 Melanie Wong