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. …
In My Father’s Memory: Laughter, Ladybugs and Chicken Marinated in Red Wine
My father passed away in 1981 at the tender young age of 54. He died suddenly that day, leaving us all to figure out how …
Polpo in Umido alla Siciliana (Sicilian Stewed Octopus)
As we wrap up our food-and-wine tour of Sicily, I thought I’d finish with one of Sicily’s most under-appreciated seafoods, the octopus. This is my …
Grilling a Sicilian fish at Sotto in Los Angeles @SottoLA
I had an opportunity to hang out in the kitchen with the staff at Sotto earlier this year. Reality food TV would have you believe …
Involtini di Pesce Spada (Sicilian Swordfish Rolls)
Sicilians really do love their fish and especially their swordfish. Sicily’s enviable position surrounded by three seas explains why fish holds such a revered place …
Falso Magro – Falsely lean…
I read a lot of articles about how falso magro got its name. The name translates roughly to “falsely lean” or “falsely Lenten”. There are …
Grilled Sardines with Salmoriglio Sauce (Sardine alle Griglia con Salsa al Salmoriglio)
Grilled fresh sardines. One of life’s simple delectable pleasures. I actually never tasted grilled sardines until I started traveling to Sicilia. We would spend afternoons …
An Oscar Dinner-Montalcino Style: Pollo con Sedani Rifatti (Chicken with Celery)
While reading the Benvenuto Brunello blog this past weekend, I noticed a post about an ‘ancient recipe that is typical of the city of Brunello’ …
From the Heart: Salmon and Asparagus in a Puff
Wednesday 6AM – Flight back home from yet another business trip. Thursday 6AM – Waking up in my own bed….a very beautiful thing. Thursday 12 …
Trieste Goulash (Goulash Triestino)
Italian Goulash?? Really? Yes, it’s true. Trieste, the capital of Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) and part of the Austro-Hungrarian Empire prior to the end of World …
Shrimp Buzara Style (Gamberoni alla Buzara)
With the waters of the Adriatic lapping its coastline, Friuli Venezia-Giulia’s sparkling sea affords a bounty of fresh seafood, including a species of very large shrimp, almost …
Our Italian Table Goes to India: Indian-spiced Chicken with Chickpeas and Spinach
I do believe that I have fully conquered my fear and loathing of chickpeas! After a week on business in mesmerizing India, I thought for …