Sneak a Peek at Buona Forchetta’s New Non-Profit South Park Restaurant | Eater San Diego

"Set to open in early 2020, the new non-profit eatery dubbed Matteo (named for founder Matteo Cattaneo) will give a peek on Saturday, December 7 in South Park during the neighborhood’s Holiday Walkabout & Luminaria. The 2,800-square-foot all-day eatery and bakery, already decorated with a large custom mural by local artist Stacey Uy, will start mornings with American breakfast staples alongside homemade Italian pastries and house-baked breads, transition later to an aperitivo service with tapas and Italian wines, and include a market selling imported Italian specialties as well as Buona Forchetta pastas and sauces to-go. There’s also a small event space planned for children’s classes. Cattaneo, who operates other local spots, intends to donate Matteo’s proceeds to local causes (the public will be able to nominate recipients via a website launching early next year). This Saturday’s preview will introduce Matteo’s newly appointed head baker and general manager Joanne Sherif, and beginning at 6 p.m. the restaurant will sell pre-packaged gingerbread kits and Christmas cookie kits, European favorites like stollen and panettone, mini holiday tea cakes, and more, with all profits benefiting the McKinley School Foundation; there will also be face painting, caroling, and other food and drink available." - Candice Woo