Genoa Twice in my life, a local has asked me why I would want to visit their hometown. The first time, I was lost in an alley in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, it was 1986. The second was this summer in Genoa. I thought I was pretty smart, I found a super cheap hotel near the […]
Return To Barga – PORK TENDERLOIN WITH A BALSAMIC SAUCE
Barga We visited Barga last year with only enough time for a couple of hours of exploration but that was enough to ensure our return. There is something about this little walled village sitting on a hill looking out over the Serchio Valley that wants you to slow down, breath and stay a while. The […]
Dario Cecchini, The Dante Quoting Butcher
Dario Cecchini Panzano is a tiny village in the middle of the rolling hills of central Tuscany. There’s nothing too exciting here except for one very unique butcher shop and its accompanying restaurants.Cecchini is run by the now infamous Dante quoting butcher Dario Cecchini, a giant of a man with hands like baseball gloves and […]
An Epic Adventure: a visit to Casamonti Estate
Leaving San Marino If you miss a turn in Italy it can be the best thing to happen or the worst. Leaving San Marino we did just that and managed to turn a 2 1/2 hour drive into an epic adventure. It was a beautiful sunny day and we ended up on a small provincial […]
Living Like A Local In Blogville
Emilia-Romagna As a chef, to travel to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy is something special. Widely considered the culinary capital of Italy it is the birth place of world famous foods like Parmigiano cheese, prosciutto di Parma and balsamic vinegar to name just a few. Dishes like lasagna, tortellini in brodo or the quintessential tagliatelle […]
Dumpling, Pot Sticker, Gyoza
Dumpling Call them what you will, dumplings are delicious! According to Beijingservice.com the dumpling “dates back 500-600 years. As the Spring Festival marks the start of a new year, people choose to eat dumplings to connote their wishes for good fortune in the new year. Perfection China has been perfecting the art of dumpling making since […]
City Of Lights – PORCINI RISOTTO
Paris It was a trudge, weighted down with gear, to get to our apartment in the 11th arrondissement of Paris but it was worth it. The small dwelling on the ninth floor overlooked Paris with the Eiffel tower standing tall in the distance. Non-existent kitchen Although it was a studio with a virtually non-existent kitchen […]
No Plans In Les Vans (part 1) – PEACH PIE and CAILLETTE
Les Vans As we wound along the edge of the Ardèche valley on our way to Les Vans we were eager and nervous. 15 years ago Eager to see the town we visited 15 years ago and see whether our memories remained true. We were nervous because our temporary landlord and longtime friend is now […]