While a dish dubbed “thousand-layer lasagna” is likely to pique your interest, things get even more intriguing when you add an Italian-heavy wine list that pays particular attention to Barolo, Tuscany and Franciacorta. Last week, Vine Hospitality debuted Rollati Ristorante, a modern Italian-American restaurant in San Jose, Calif. This is the first Italian-focused restaurant from the Bay Area group responsible for several local favorites, including two Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence–winning LB Steak locations and Award of Excellence winner Meso Modern Mediterranean, as well as a quartet of Award of Excellence–winning Left Bank Brasseries.
“Vine Hospitality has very French roots with our culinary founder, chef Roland Passot. But our CEO, Obadiah Ostergard, is Italian, and this is a nod to his heritage and upbringing and homage to his grandfather and family,” explained Vine Hospitality wine and spirits director Serena Harkey.
While the menu takes inspiration from various regions of Italy, many dishes are interpretations of Italian-American classics. Along with antipasti options, there are several pizzas, including a pie with spicy honey, mozzarella, soppressata and basil. House-made pastas include the aforementioned thousand-layer lasagna—made using a simple marinara, Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella—which guests can choose to enrich with beef short rib ragu, ladled over top.
[article-img-container][src=2023-09/tt_rollati092123_1600.jpg] [credit= (Leila Seppa)] [alt= A red bar at Rollati Ristorante, near a gray couch and a green chair, with a view of wines and wood tables and chairs in the dining room][end: article-img-container]In contrast to the French focus at Vine Hospitality’s other restaurants, Harkey took a deep dive into Italy for the wine list at Rollati Ristorante: “Barolo and Super Tuscans are the big drivers,” she said, noting that there is also an emphasis on sparkling Franciacorta wines. “It’s great to highlight some of the amazing, delicious sparkling wine coming out of Italy, which is also impressive for its great value.” Diners can expect examples from Guido Berlucchi, Ca’ del Bosco and more. A smattering of California wines are also featured. The restaurant opened with around 150 selections, but Harkey hopes to double that number in the coming years. Rounding out the beverage program are Italian-inspired cocktails, including standards like Negronis and spritzes along with inventive twists, such as a heirloom tomato Martini with olive oil–washed vodka, basil and white balsamic.
The 180-seat restaurant was designed by Arcsine, the same firm behind Vine’s Petite Left Bank in Tiburon and the Left Bank Brasserie in Jack London Square. The space is elegant and modern with rich greens and oranges. Brown leather elements throughout, along with splashes of gold and brass, lend a sleek and sophisticated feel. At the same time, black and white photos evoke a classic Italian diner.
Rollati occupies the ground floor of a new luxury apartment complex in downtown San Jose. “The fact that it is attached was the key opportunity,” Harkey said. “It creates built-in foot traffic.” For that reason, the restaurant also features an upscale provisions market with Italian pantry staples and freshly prepared foods for those on the go.—A.R.
Jason Rocheleau Opens Amari in Las Vegas
[article-img-container][src=2023-09/tt_amari092123_1600.jpg] [credit= (Jeff Green)] [alt= The dining room at Amari, with blue cloth chairs, wood tables, a shelf of glass decanters and a glass case of wine bottles on racks][end: article-img-container]As in Miami and New York, the dining scene in Las Vegas is growing with every month. In August, the city gained a…
Source : https://www.winespectator.com/articles/turning-tables-vine-hospitality-rolls-out-rollati-ristorante-in-san-jose
