Author Event: Renato Poliafito, "Dolci!"

Join us for a sweet evening with cookbook author Renato Poliafito!

Darien Library, in collaboration with Barrett Bookstore, is thrilled to welcome James Beard Award–nominee Renato Poliafito to discuss his latest cookbook, Dolci! Poliafito will be in conversation with esteemed food writer Casey Elsass, promising an engaging and delightful evening for all food enthusiasts.

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.

About Renato Poliafito

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.”

About Casey Elsass

Casey Elsass is a food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author living in Brooklyn, New York.