Italian grocery shopping – Where local is not a trend, it just is…
During our recent visit to Montalcino Italy, we had an opportunity to shop for meats, fish and produce to prepare our big meal. It again …
Montalcino Italy and UFOs – When fact is stranger than fiction…
Take a look at the photo above. It’s found in the Church of San Pietro located here in Montalcino, Italy. This artwork, titled “Glorification of …
Montalcino, Italy – Where word of mouth still spreads faster than a Facebook post
As my sister discussed in our last post, we are here in Montalcino to cook for a fundraising event. My sister Michele and I and …
Lobster alla fiorentina – Why should T-bones have all the fun!
Bistecca alla Fiorentina (or ‘beefsteak Florentine style’) is the famous and super simple preparation of thick T-bone steaks on a nice hot grill. The beauty …
Swordfish involtini on the grill (Involtini di pesce spade alla griglia)
The Sicilians don’t have the corner on cooking with swordfish (pesce spada) – the Calabrians, who share the same sea with Sicily, have their own …
Just octopus! – Spaghetti con polpo
There’s a joke running around the Los Angeles restaurant scene that if your menu doesn’t include a kale salad, a fancy octopus salad, and PBR, …
Pollo con melanzane (Chicken with eggplant, tomatoes and pancetta)
As we continue our Calabrian adventures, I’ve been cooking with the aid of the excellent cookbook, My Calabria. This is a great source for all …
Insalata di calamari (Squid salad)
This is an awfully fancy bowl on a fancy place mat for such a simple salad. My sister is the photographer in the family, so …
Pasta ‘Ncasciata (Baked Pasta with Eggplant)
In Calabria, vegetables are king—especially in summertime. Every meal headlines the fresh vegetables that are in season, while meat or fish play a supporting role. …
Spuma di Mortadella (Mortadella Mousse)
OK, for most Americans, this is going to sound like a weird dish – a mousse made from Mortadella – Italy’s inspiration for American baloney. …
Balsamic Roast Chicken (Pollo al Forno con Aceto Balsamico)
Balsamic vinegar is almost a religion in Italy, and more specifically in Emilia-Romagna. It dates back to monks making the stuff in the 12th century. …
Celebrating summer vegetables – Emilia-Romagna style!!
The farmer’s markets in Los Angeles are finally filling up with summer vegetables. Summer squash of all shapes and colors, Italian and Japanese eggplant, bell …