In Italy, Scottadito means "finger
blistering" and refers to lamb chops hot off the grill that
are so tasty no one can wait for them to cool. The word could
apply to any number of rustic dishes offered at Scottadito Osteria
Toscana, a new Tuscan restaurant that opened in September on
Union Street in Park Slope.
Scottadito’s chef and co-owner, Tuscany-born Paolo Nozzoli, most
recently of the East River Cafe in New York City, offers hearty,
hard-to-resist dishes that are not commonplace around the Slope.
Hog jowls "guanciale" are used in a sauce with plum
tomatoes and pecorino over house-made pasta; and there’s a slow-roasted
suckling pig served with polenta and Swiss chard. One can order
several varieties of artisanal Italian cheeses and among the
desserts, the panna cotta is infused with saffron and vanilla
then drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar.
Co-owner Michele (Mi-KEL’-lee) Di Bari hired his brother Nardino,
a contractor and carpenter, to create the feeling of a rustic,
Tuscan cantina. Working with Brooklyn developer Donald Minerva,
Nardino added exposed wood beams, brick walls and handcrafted
the tables from salvaged wood. Even the chef’s mother got into
the act. The exquisite leather menus (pictured) are a gift from
"Mama Nozzoli" who had the items handcrafted in her
family’s factory in Tuscany.
Scottadito Osteria Toscana (788A Union St. between Sixth and
Seventh avenues) accepts cash only. Entrees: $12-$22. The restaurant
serves dinner daily. For reservations (six or more) and additional
information, call (718) 636-4800.
