Cod Braised in Tomato Sauce This is a hearty healthy dish that celebrates that awesome fusion of a cold water flaky and nutritious fish with a basic tomato sauce which absorbs the fish flavor in a surprisingly delicate way. It is an alternative to frying, breading and baking which in my opinion destroys not only…
Friday, September 13th Bucatini all ‘Amatriciana – A Roman Classic Marcella Hazan the legendary Italian chef who brought classic Italian cooking to the US traces the roots of this popular dish to the town of Amatrice outside of Rome. Notably absent is garlic which the locals state simply clashes with the heat of the chilis…
August 30th, 2024 Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca Last week we went into the deep end of the pool. This one is simple and incredibly popular. It was suggested by someone on the WNIS Facebook page and I was in full agreement. The dish hails from either Ischia or Naples and was invented around 1950. Like some…
Roman Braised Beef with Tomatoes To date I have focused on the cucina povera of my beloved Southern Italy where my ancestors settled and lived for generations. This dish is from the more prosperous North where beef and pork are more frequently encountered. It will take up an early Sunday morning and be ready by…
August 16th, 2024 Baked Fish with Potatoes Genoa Style This dish is one of my favorites. In Italy fishermen from Genoa and Liguria live hard lives but know how to prepare their catches. Many species are oily like Bluefish or Mackerel and do well with potatoes or braised in tomato sauce. The potatoes, garlic and…
August 9th, 2024 Lucky Luciano’s Stuffed Eggplant One of my dearest friends is Brian “Lucky” Luciano, who recently retired after over 25 years of service to the City of Virginia Beach as a Master Police Officer. He served as President and is currently Executive Director of the Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association. He is my…
August 2nd, 2024 Linguine alle Vongole – Linguini with White Clam Sauce This dish, though a southern Italian favorite, has become so popular in the US that it is rarely left off of a menu regardless of the restaurant. It celebrates the freshness of the sea when you use locally sourced clams available in most…
July 26th, 2024 Goodfellas Sausage and Peppers The scene with Paul Cicero (Paul Sorvino) and his crew enjoying this old country classic outside is a slice of my past, minus the Mob. Summer nights had as much of this on the barbecue or the stove as the venerable hamburger and hot dog. The sausage can…
July 12th, 2024 Spaghetti di Tornola This recipe celebrates not only our abundant seafood here in Hampton Roads but also my native Calabria in Southern Italy, where my ancestors hail from, and to where I will someday return to live and die in the backyard like Michael Corleone—could be worse. I give tribute to one…
June 14th, 2024 Antipasto Platter This is Italian freestyle and involves a festive platter, traditional ingredients, and your imagination. These items are spread on one or two platters and served with a basket of fresh bread. Recommended components of the best Father’s Day antipasto—use the best that you can find: Salume such as sopressata, pepperoni,…