Dollar oysters at Sotto Mare
Last night on my way to class I saw this joint had opened in half of New Pisa's old space on Green St. (off Grant,by the way did you know that Green St. was named after a guy who wasn't really named Green?) This afternoon, after a rough day at the loft, D.J. & I went in for a treat. Oysters (Tomales bay) and cherry-stone-like clams (ditto) a buck apiece. Exactly what they should cost I figger.Limited beer selection and some wines by the glass. Had a taste of excellent N.E.clam chowder,the real fritz,practically chowdah. Wicked. Owner Chi-Chi (?) former last owner of Maye's plans to have retail fish also. A boon to the neighborhood if it's true. Clams and oysters sweet and good and we'll be back and we'd stay longer if the bar had a rail and better beer.
little big al
Mar 16, 2007 08:53PM
Wow -- they oyster place finally opened? There were rumors shortly after New Pisa shut down, but I all but gave up on it. I think the owner is Fiorucci (not Chi-Chi).
Permalink | Reply
The (co) owner is Gigi Fiorucci, who used to run the Double Play over off Potrero, Mayes on Polk, and several other places before this.
Permalink | Reply
Raw clams? For $1? Really?
Thanks for the report. Guess I know where I'm headed next!
Permalink | Reply
In addition to thill's info, I was also told that Gigi used to run the restaurant at this venue more than 30 years ago, so this is a homecoming of sorts. It seems to be operating with a number of dba's, also saw Gigi's Oysteria and Fiorucci-Toracco & Sons.
Here's a shot showing the City's certificate of honor posted in the window, issued this month, in appreciation for restoring this part of North Beach history.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2177/2...
The menu offered up grilled sand dabs or rex sole. Anyone tried those or the pastas? IIRC, all were priced around $15 to $18.
Permalink | Reply
The owner Gigi's given name is Tarcisio Fiorucci, and yes, I understand he will be selling fish both retail and on the menu! It's a great spot!
Permalink | Reply
I stopped by there last week. The clam chowder is fantastic. They are supposed to be getting in beer taps soon too.
Permalink | Reply
Thanks for the rec. Had a chance to stop by here Saturday afternoon.
Good to see the New Pisa back to life,
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2137395368_505e97ed8b.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2227/2...
While the place has been completely refurbished, it still retains the old North Beach feel with marble topped counters and lots of memorabilia. A few patrons seated at the bar seemed like regulars.
West Coast oysters are a buck apiece (East Coast ones are $2), and these were from Drake's Bay, which got permission to reopen Nov 30. My first taste of them this month and they were tiny, firm and sweet with the intense minerally taste that sets them apart. The shucker did a good job and captured all the sweet, briny juices. They're served with lemon and a cocktail sauce. I also tried the clam chowder . . . I got to order just a cup, but usually that's only available with an entree. With the more savory flavors, ecru color, and dried herbs, it's what I think of as "Italian" clam chowder, like I grew up with around Monterey Bay.
Permalink | Reply