Page 6 - Dream of Italy - October / November 2021

ERIN PIROZZINI

6
Dario Cecchini Tries
O CT /NO V 2021 His Hand at Fast Food

Drea m of Ita ly W truck to his Antica Macelleria Cecchini empire of restau-
orld-famous butcher Dario Cecchini has added a food

rants, aiming to elevate the meaning of fast food. Cecchini came
up with the idea in December 2019 and, during the pandemic,
found that the food truck brought a sense of normalcy to its
patrons—especially as Cecchini’s other restaurants were closed.

The red-and-black Cecchini Panini food truck, parked near
Cecchini’s flagship butcher shop in Panzano, serves two kinds of
panini alongside beer, wine and Cecchini’s famous olive oil cake.
The Panino Cecchino features a hamburger patty with red-wine
MEIGAN ARNONE caramelized onions and the truck’s signature “Darionaise” and
“PomoDario” sauces, while the Butcher’s Steak Panino contains
a beef belly steak and Darionaise sauce. Both are cooked on the
truck’s charcoal grill and served on a bun. For vegetarians, the
truck offers pappa al pomodoro, a hearty Tuscan tomato and bread
stew.
“It’s a sandwich made by a butcher; you have to taste the
meat,” says Cecchini.
Panzano native Cecchini is a ninth-generation butcher who
took over the family business from his father. His artistry, love
for his trade and gregarious personality have earned him critical
acclaim, and he was featured in the Tuscany episode of season 1
of Dream of Italy.
Via XX Luglio, 1, Panzano; 39-055-852020;
www.dariocecchini.com; open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MEIGAN ARNONE
Prices start at 6€.—Elaine Murphy