James Beard Award–nominee Renato Poliafito will discuss his latest cookbook, Dolci! this Tuesday evening, July 16, at Darien Library.
— an announcement from Darien Library, in collaboration with Barrett Bookstore
Poliafito will be in conversation with esteemed food writer Casey Elsass. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Renato Poliafito and delve into the delicious world of Dolci! Prepare for an evening of sweet discoveries and culinary inspiration.
About the Book
A joyous celebration of Italian, American, and Italian American tastes and traditions, Dolci! is a compendium of molto delizioso baked goods from both sides of the Atlantic.
In almost a hundred recipes, James Beard–nominated baker Renato Poliafito pays homage to pastries of the Old World and the New—with perfected versions of classics like Pastiera and Torta Caprese, Honey-Ricotta Black and Whites, and Butter Cookies.
Poliafito puts his own unique spin on the baking traditions of both countries with recipes of his own invention that are a mashup of Italian flavors and American innovation. Think Aperol Spritz Cake, Italian Krispie Treats, Malted Tiramisu, Panettone Bread Pudding, and Mocha Orange Whoopie Pies.
In addition to the many cakes, pies, tarts, and cookies, Poliafito also shares a host of savory recipes: Sourdough Focaccias, Perfect Grissini, Cacio e Pepe Arancini—and for good measure, Italian-inflected cocktails (Amaro Root Beer Float!).
A vibrant comingling of two great culinary cultures filtered through the mind of an American with the heart of an Italian, Dolci! hits the sweet spot between Italian and American baking.
If You’re Going …
The event will be held from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in the Community Room of Darien Library.
The library asks you to register here. As of Sunday morning, there were 71 seats remaining.
Publicity photo via Barrett Bookstore website
Renato Poliafito
About Renato Poliafito and Casey Elsass
Renato Poliafito is a two-time James Beard Award nominee and the owner of Ciao, Gloria, a bakery and café in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, that opened in 2019.
This is his fifth cookbook, but he considers Dolci! his first “solo album.”
Casey Elsass is a food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author living in Brooklyn, New York.