Celebrating the New Year, Italian-Style

It’s true that Charleston’s party scene ass most vibrant this past New Year’s Eve, where locals and tourists chose to visit the main arteries of the Holy City in search of final libations to send off a less than successful year (thank Mariah Carey!) But for those such as myself who no longer enjoy partying “like it’s 1999” in too-small heels and tiny dresses, a more intimate and meaningful scene is required for a successful evening.

Fortunately, this author’s evening was saved by a knight in shining armor, otherwise known as Le Farfalle, Charleston’s beautiful osteria located in the Harleston Village area of Downtown.

The creation of celebrated chefs, owners, and husband/wife team Michael and Caitlyn Toscano, Le Farfalle’s New Years’ Eve celebration served as the perfect encapsulation of the owners’ goal: creating the perfect atmosphere both natives and guests will enjoy. The live music scene combined with a delicious four or six-course menu option resulted in an eclectic atmosphere appreciated by all new and regular patrons.

Guests visiting Le Farfalle experience the result of owner Michael Toscano’s vision and passions. Raised in Houston Texas, Toscano moved to New York City after a three-year apprenticeship in North Carolina; the rest, as they say, is history. Toscano’s passion for Italian cuisine blossomed while rising to become the owner of three restaurants in NYC. His Italian restaurant Perla alone received numerous accolades including Esquire’s Best New Restaurants and New York Times Two Stars.

Le Farfalle opened in 2015, the product of an 8-month search by its owners to find the perfect location to host their vision. Within walking distance from the Charleston Hotel, Le Farfalle’s owners aim to ensure tourists enjoy the full Charleston hospitality experience.

“We always use the local bounty to provide guests with dishes relevant to locations in Italy to provide as authentic experience as possible for them” Toscano explained.

To usher in the New Year, Le Farfalle offered guests the four or six-course menu complete with wine pairings. In conjunction with white wine pairings, I chose the four option.

The first course consisted of sweet potato salad, a festive combination of mache, trumpet royal mushrooms, and pancetta vincotta. A healthy, wise choice for an introduction to new years’. The Risotto Milanese served for my second course. A vibrant fusion of saffron rice, veal ragu, and bone marrow, the warmth of the dish and presentation created excitement for the rest of the pairings.

After completing my third course of charred lamp chops and belly, which not only was delectable but also the newest addition to my favorites list, I rewarded for all of my hard work with the most important part of any meal: dessert. In this case, chocolate cake. The beauty of the desserts at Le Farfalle’s is their classic simplicity, and this was no exception. Paired with a final glass of white wine, a pleasurable chocolate cake is the only way to end a spectacular meal at Le Farfalle.

As with all good things, my time at Le Farfalle’s had to end. But the wondrous memories will not. And the warmth and friendly atmosphere of Le Farfalle’s means the restaurant will remain a fixture on my social scene.

Welcome to the New Year, Charleston!