Culinary son of San Francisco talks first memorable dining experiences, his favorite food book and why his pooch is a genius.
Bay Area native David Nayfeld says his favorite San Francisco culinary memory occurred many years ago when he dined alone at Delfina. “It was my first real regional, non-American Italian dining experience. It also was the first time I realized that a restaurant that isn’t fine dining could be so powerful,” says Nayfeld, who’s part of the ownership group of Che Fico and Che Fico Alimentari. “I remember everything I ate that night, from the grilled chopped liver to the calamari with beans and arugula to the stone fruit crostata, and having wines paired for me. I was a cook at Aqua at the time, and I didn’t make much money. The fact that it was affordable—and a dinner that I wanted to have again—was so special to me.” Below, Nayfeld shares what else makes life special beyond the kitchen.
When friends come from out of town, what do you recommend they experience here?
Eating at House of Prime Rib and Zuni Cafe and going to a Giants game at Oracle Park.
Favorite travel destination for food?
Rome. Between going to restaurants like Salumeria Roscioli and Trattoria Al Moro, there are so many great spots. Being in that city makes me feel alive.
Favorite book about food?
The Splendid Table, especially its recipes from Emilia-Romagna, the heartland of northern Italian food. The recipes actually work, and it gives you such a deep dive and rich understanding into the culture and heritage of my favorite region.
Bay Area chefs who are at the top of their game right now?
Gonzalo Guzman at Nopalito, Matt Horn at Horn Barbecue and Laurence Jossel at Nopa.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned from your pooch, Cassidy?
You can’t choose who you love.
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF CHE FICO
