Troy L. Milliron 
The owner of 54 Mint Forno Italiano in Walnut Creek brought a culinary first to the Bay Area. And we’re sort of losing our minds because these are risotto croquettes with mozzarella filling.
La Casa Barotti is a spizzicheria, which co-owner Daniele Carsano defines on the restaurant’s website as “a relaxed place to pop in and enjoy something delicious with a glass of wine or beer”. It’s a tribute to the regionally-oriented street restaurants that can be found all over Italy, including Turin, where Carsano grew up with his two co-owners.
Located in Berkeley between La Farine and Boichik Bagels, Casa Barotti offers a variety of handmade dishes including Pizza al Trancio, a light and airy pizza crust baked in a steel pan and topped with fresh local or imported toppings; Panzerotti, a crispy fried Apulian mini-calzoni stuffed with tomato and mozzarella or Cotto ham and ricotta; and Supplì, the aforementioned tomato risotto croquettes that are filled with mozzarella and hail from Rome.
According to the Daily Californian, the restaurant opened on Tuesday and sold its carb-centric dishes in under four hours. Casa Barotti also offers a wide range of homemade foccacia, which is available, like pizza, by the slice, in half-plate (5 slices) or in whole plate (10 slices). There is also the farinata, a thin galette of gluten-free Ligurian chickpeas. Drink options include an ever-changing selection of beers and wines from Italy, as well as a rotating local IPA selection.
Much like the 54 Mint Forno Italiano, Casa Barotti sources from trusted farmers in Northern California. Its salumi, cheeses, wines, olive oils, flour, San Marzano tomato sauce and specialty products are prepared by small Italian producers and farmers.
Current hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 3204 College Ave., Berkeley. Find more information at www.casabarotti.com.
