San Francisco - May 20, 2009

She’s a Brick House

54 Mint Wine Bar Opens

You never shared in the hedonism of Studio 54. (Translation: sex on balconies with boy toys in short shorts.)

But your taste buds will boogie oogie at SOMA’s Mint 54, the new rustic Italian eatery and deli.

Umbrian-born owners Alberto Avalle (of NYC Il Buco fame) and Claudio Ricciolini deliver their signature cucina di casalinga (housewife cuisine) in the bi-level, corner enclave warmed with Italian rococo chairs and cured meats dangled from the ceiling.

Start with octopus carpaccio and Sicilian couscous with monkfish; move on to pastas (made in-house daily). Organic Italian wines like white lambrusco meet their match with the slow-roasted pork belly.

Walk away with imported olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and truffled sheep’s milk cheese.

Go on, do the hustle.

54 Mint Wine Bar, 16 Mint Plaza, at Jessie Street (415-543-5100 or 54mint.com).