UC Berkeley is the origin of many stories, including that of ElevenTwelve, a lifestyle brand founded by two Cal football alumni, Giorgio Tavecchio and Vincenzo D’Amato (fun fact: their old jersey numbers inspired the name of the business). Together with Paolo Tempo and Davide Merlo, the duo united their experiences in American football with their love for Italian cuisine to create the brand you see today. 

ElevenTwelve specializes in importing high-quality artisanal wine, pasta, and sauce from the Piemonte region of northwestern Italy, prioritizing authenticity and flavor—both of which are distinctly highlighted in all of its products. I had the amazing opportunity to try out two different dishes with some of my friends, so here are some of my thoughts upon tasting ElevenTwelve’s pasta and sauce: