Trentino-Alto Adige: Where the Mediterranean Meets the Alps
Some call it the sunny side of the Alps, others call it Trentin-Südtirol, and others Trentino-Alto Adige. It is extremely mountainous, covering a large part of the Dolomites and Southern Alps. The interesting historical past makes the region unique, neither completely Austrian nor Italian. It is a place where Austrian charm mingles with the stylish Italian flair.
This week’s menu will be a departure from the well-known dishes of the South – and interesting combination of the cuisines of two cultures.
VALLE D’AOSTA – Welcome Travelers Valle d’Aosta, bordering France and Switzerland to the west and north, has long been the connector between central Europe and the Italian peninsula. It is the place where people travel on their way to somewhere else. The locals have welcomed travelers since Roman times and have established a culture of hospitality. Travelers are given the same warm welcome now as they were then. The Valdaostani are welcoming and generous people, always eager to share their hearty mountain food. It is the place where cultures meet and eat. Valle d’Aosta shares food styles with Alpine France and Switzerland. Its cuisine is simple, based on fresh ingredients from the mountains, streams, and plush valleys. Our menu this...
Cena di San Valentino a Casa
This year let's celebrate love in all of its forms through the enjoyment of food made for you by Chef Ricchi's loving hand.
Superbowl Fried Chicken Meal
At our little Trattoria in Tuscany we were famous for our "Pollo Fritto," - fried chicken. The Florentines would drive out to visit us in the country on the weekends and we would always sell out.
I am proud to say that my American friends and customers (even those from the South!) seem to have also fallen in love with my recipe so I am starting a new tradition. On Sundays I will be frying up my recipe -- this time for the Washingtonians -- and for Super Bowl Sunday you can buy it in buckets!
Coming to the Table: The Great Equalizer Eating together helps build understanding and strengthens the bonds between people. After all, eating at a table means both eating and talking. It can foster an exchange of ideas, break down prejudices and connect us on a most basic human level. When people are seated at the table, as they are passing the proverbial salt and breaking bread, they are forced to look at each other and converse. This week we are featuring a simple menu, showcasing some of the favorite foods of past presidents. These are dishes well-known and loved by most Americans. How appropriate to serve these crowd-pleasers to entice people to the table. That, after all, is what we have...
