Dario Cecchini: The Butcher from the Netflix Series 'Chef's Table'
Nina in Chianti and Dario Cecchini
Last year, I wrote two detailed blog posts all about my friend Dario Cecchini, his Antica Macelleria Cecchini in Panzano in Chianti, his passion for meat, and his restaurants and products. And now, Dario is part of the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary series 'Chef's Table,' where amazing chefs from all over the world show off their super creative kitchen ideas. The show dives into how their personal stories shape their cooking, and director David Gelb takes a really precise yet understanding look at each chef.
Now in its sixth season, 'Chef's Table' features the most amazing and unique chefs from all over the world – I mean, eleven of the chefs from the series have already landed on San Pellegrino's 'The World’s 50 Best Restaurants' list! So, Dario Cecchini is definitely in great company – even though he always says he's not a chef, just a 'Macellaio' – a butcher.
Dario Cecchini - A Butcher Driven by Passion
A really personal look at Dario Cecchini, his life, and his passion
And so Dario tells his story, beautifully illustrated with pictures of Panzano in Chianti and from his Antica Macelleria Cecchini. It's the story of a happy childhood in Panzano, the death of his beloved mother, and his father's illness, which suddenly pulled him away from his dream of becoming a vet. You see, Dario originally studied veterinary medicine at the University of Pisa, aiming to improve animals' lives. But in 1976, after his father passed away, he had to stop his studies and take over the family business for their well-being.
After struggling at first to find meaning in being a butcher, his friend Orlando, who had already helped his father with meat quality, made him realize that even an animal that is slaughtered and eaten is valuable. From this, Dario developed principles that he still lives by today:
Even an animal that's slaughtered to become food for people should have a good life.
We should treat an animal with respect, even in death.
A butcher shouldn't waste anything the animal gives us.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina at Dario Cecchini's Officina della Bistecca
And it was precisely this way of thinking and approaching things, which Dario was quite alone with at first, that laid the foundation for his success. However, customers weren't keen on buying the less 'noble' cuts of beef. This eventually gave Dario the idea to prepare his family's recipes for his customers – the ones he loved as a kid, based on the simplest ingredients. This way, they could taste and experience for themselves what delicious dishes could be made from the 'less noble' parts of the animal. From this, a bustling restaurant business grew up around the Antica Macelleria Cecchini.
Three restaurant concepts – one way of life!
Dario now delights his guests' palates with three restaurant concepts: First up is Solociccia, which means 'only meat' – and that's exactly what you get: just meat. With this concept, Dario first brought his family's dishes to the table. Soon after, Dario opened Officina della Bistecca one floor above the Macelleria. The idea was to prepare Bistecca alla Fiorentina and its variations fresh on a charcoal grill. Originally, there was just one big table for a maximum of 20 guests. But the concept was a huge hit, and the restaurant grew incredibly fast, so Dario expanded it shortly after. Now, guests are served meat in several courses, starting with Sushi del Chianti, all the way to three variations of Bistecca: Costata alla Fiorentina, Bistecca Panzanese (the Panzano version of Bistecca), and last but not least, Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Dario himself presents the Bistecca Fiorentina with his legendary words: To beef or not to beef! And then a third meaty restaurant variation was added: the Dario Doc concept. You can enjoy this 'high quality fast food' in two variations. Basically, it's a freshly grilled burger that comes without bread but is served with lots of fresh sides, excellent homemade mustard, and spicy paprika sauce.
Meat is the whole concept for Dario Cecchini – probably Italy's most famous butcher.
So, in short: the 'Chef's Table' episode with Dario Cecchini is an absolute must-see for all Dario and Panzano fans – and anyone who wants to become one! But a little warning before you watch: this episode will give you serious Panzano wanderlust! And an extreme craving for meat! If you need Dario's products to go with it, take a look at my online shop: You can find his excellent mustard, spicy Mediterranean sauce, savory herb salt, fennel seasoning, and flavorful olive oil there. A dash of Dario for your home!
Dario Cecchini