tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91087127952434250522011-04-21T19:48:25.773-07:00February 2008 I rented an apartment in Florence, Italy. I spent 1 week cooking with Chef and guide Judy Witts. She introduced me to the ingredients, chefs and shop owners of Florence. I then spent another two weeks observing Chef Romeo at Trattoria Mario cook his classic family dishes. During the month I shopped for food and wine, walked the city and cooked dinner almost every night. What an amazing experience and I suggest you do something like this at least once in your life.Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.comBlogger311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-44849547936650245492008-02-24T11:00:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:37.663-08:00

3 covered markets. 1 each for fish, meats and produce. I focused on the fish offerings. And you got to love delivery by boat...Shopping at the marketJust look at these beauties! 13 euros per kilo.These are terrific raw. Ate them this way at La cantina.

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-19853695792064757962008-02-24T08:18:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:39.591-08:00

It was a dark and foggy night strolling across the canals and piazzas of Venice. The owner of the hotel is sending us to a most famous seafood restaurant------->La Furatola, down a tiny street off a small piazza. The fog is everywhere and you are in a different world. As you enter you hear a woman's voice singing Frank Sinatra's "One more for my baby and another one for the road" over the

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-23075780830339348842008-02-24T06:18:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:39.988-08:00

Went for a walk in the Ca`d`Or section of Venice. More residential area. On a friend's suggestion I went to La Cantina. The place is a small wine bar cafe. Some tables a proper meat slicer, some seafood on display. Totally unassuming place, a little hole in the wall No menu, bad English. Makes for a perfect meal. The chef is nuts. He is cooking top notch cuisine. Loved it!Spaghetti with

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-13353246782621693912008-02-24T06:03:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:40.647-08:00

Finally made it to Venice. Now have only 36hrs to see it all.First some tourist pics...Parking in VeniceLions over Grand canal GondolasGrand canal from Rialto bridge. It was foggy the whole trip.Food in the following posts...

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-45555474085327648382008-02-20T04:46:00.001-08:002008-02-20T05:00:31.792-08:00

Ok, so it's not the best way to visit a foreign country but let me tell you something. The Italians love pregnant women and babies. Everyone has gone out of their way to help out and be overly good to my wife. Judy Witts gave great advice and translated our needs into Italian.The landlord extended our stay in the apartment by two days so that Jen can get some bed rest. They even offered to

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-11536925384505422462008-02-19T14:42:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:41.211-08:00

Well, that's it. My wife is sick, can't really eat and have had to cancel reservations all over town. So much for some R&R in Italy. We stayed in today and I cooked up some simple fare for Jen.InsalateMache, tomatoes, artichoke hearts and olive oil marinated tuna.Lemon zest with local made red wine vinegar viniagrette.PrimiArtichoke & spinach rissoto.No cream, just butter, stock and grated

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-25092779389555836162008-02-18T05:24:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:41.732-08:00

Jennifer has arrived from NYC jet lagged and with a head cold. Not good and not up for a walk about. Looks like a home cooked meal Florentine style...InsalateAged parmesan, 15yr balsamico, Sicilian tomatoes & marinated artichoke heartsPrimiPotato ravioli with pancetta & garlic infused pomodoro sauce. Basil chiffonade.SecondiOsso bucco with salsa verdi & lemon

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-86169821799375897222008-02-16T14:43:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:42.015-08:00

Wanted to do something simple and hearty. I've had variations on this dish a few times now during my stay. Usually it's done as a lasagna with layers of polenta cake, ragu and bechamel. But i'm craving mushrooms, pancetta and creaminess.Prima: The four p'sSausage infused polenta cake with porcini, pancetta and parmasan bechamelRecipe: depends on portions needed.Polenta cake-Rehydrate dried

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-34857999067123791892008-02-16T14:37:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:42.373-08:00

After a month of statues everywhere they kind of become invisible and then after a while you start to notice things...Like, how come the guy that posed for this never thought "Hey, ya know what, i'm going to be forever remembered as that naked guy with two small naked boys between my legs". "I really shouldn't be doing this". But no, apparently he liked it. Must have beens hours holding that

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-6241095181462532952008-02-16T11:14:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:43.443-08:00

Months before, while planning my trip, I contacted & booked Judy Witts at Divina Cucina, (found her in Bon Appetite magazine). An American living in Florence who knows the ins and outs of life there. She helped me plan my month's stay, pick a neighborhood to rent an apartment, complete a pack list of kitchen equipment to bring along and generally held my hand through the process of fulfilling

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-87869926424074771622008-02-14T14:16:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:45.145-08:00

Hope you are all getting cozy with that someone special.Tonight I cook not for myself but for my wife Jennifer who is at home in the states.I love ya darlin'.Valentine tasting menuInsalate roll: Proscuitto & dolce gorgonzola with baby arugala and aged balsamic vinegerSteamed artichoke with garlic & lemon aioliPecorino cheese with sliced pear and pepper jellyOlive oil marinated tuna in tomato with

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-74347020460180288922008-02-11T10:10:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:45.480-08:00

Went out to Viareggio yesterday for Carnival.Beautiful seaside town. I am told much like Venice beach, CA. but with Tuscan architecture and on the Mediterranian.So wouldn't you know it but my camera runs out of life after a few images. Good thing I caught the important one.From afar I saw a vision of Arabian nights, sexy harem girls with pom poms??? Yes pom poms. Lots of jumping about and

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-25694857631201739632008-02-11T09:41:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:46.142-08:00

Saw the weather report for back home. Cold and nasty (insert joke here if ya know it). So I thought a nice hot meal for the folks at home should do it.Went to Ristorante del Fagioli (on the map) for something i'd been craving. My own steak. Haven't done that yet. Observe what some flame, salt and pepper can do to a fine piece of Bistecca alla Fiorentina. 600 grams of pure high grade beef. Zero

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-32856859315542471322008-02-09T23:57:00.000-08:002008-02-16T13:53:40.522-08:00

With my time here at a midpoint I wonder what should be added to my list of things to do and see. If anyone from Italy reading this might give advice, your help would be appreciated.Grazie mille

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-54004874073308990972008-02-09T15:00:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:46.323-08:00

Francesco, my apologies but some ladies have requested another picture of you. I think this is what they are looking for.Winning quote goes here.Picture: Courtesy of anonymous friend.Francesco: Age 20, single. Bilingual chef & knows how to treat a fine steak.Location: Trattoria Mario, Via Rosina, 2, Florence Italy.

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-64678698411311190102008-02-09T13:20:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:46.503-08:00

Remembered to shop today. Did it between Mario's and meeting friends for lunch. I wanted to do Braciola but with a twist. Usually it's made with breaded thin cut and pounded beef fillets which are fried then simmered in a simple pomodoro sauce with chopped parsley and garlic. But tonight was my last home cooked meal for a few days so I had to clear out the pantry.Decision: Bracialo with a veal

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-18852701815738268422008-02-09T13:13:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:47.022-08:00

From Trattoria Mario I ran to meet up with Judy from Diva cucini who was giving the market tour to the newly weds (Rebecca and Josh of Memphis TN). I was invited to lunch! We took them to Trattoria Gozzi to share pasta al forno, done a bit differently here: And a killer Florentine steak! That's for the four of us by the way, really. I swear. Seared on the outside with fire, salt and pepper.

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-34415614345783853772008-02-09T11:09:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:47.159-08:00

Spent my last day at Trattoria Mario observing in the kitchen. Saturday is a day of plenty. A day to sit back and eat some stick to your ribs foods. Florentine steak, Osso bucco and Pasta al forno. Let's talk about that last one. Forget baked ziti and really forget lasagna (way too much work). Pasta al forno is a dish of ease, of richness, of well o.k. i'll say it. A fat mans meal but in a

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-50785846607902577232008-02-08T11:57:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:47.683-08:00

Too busy enjoying the sunshine and forgot the markets close at 2pm.The challenge: What do make for dinner???Grab an espresso and start thinking. Ok, back at the flat got anchovies, dried porcinis, gorgonzola, pasta, vin santo, eggs and truffle honey. Went to a supermarket and picked up Sliced proscuitto Toscano!, bread, crimini shrooms and a baby basil plant.Results: I think Padma would have

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-20383406885658320612008-02-07T12:23:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:48.114-08:00

Tonights 2 course mealOne is the traditional bean & bread soup of Florence called Ribollitato (means reboiled) and the recipe (the beans must be cooked already).The other is mine. Veal polpette with rosemary & lemon, inspired by the wonderful meats of Tuscany. Simple as can be because you do not want to interfere with the fantastically fresh ingredients.Veal polpette: 1/2 pound rough ground

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-19485604342994346172008-02-07T06:58:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:49.407-08:00

Friends, brethren, a miracle happened ealry this morning. Raise up your hands!Still feeling ill, I dragged my sorry ass out of bed and off to the restaurant for work. Walking down the street I looked up and there it was, my vision burning bright through the lifting fog...the Golden Cross. I experienced a miracle. Felt fine and hungry and for the first time in days. Off I went to observe, to

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-77269655337960572112008-02-06T08:06:00.001-08:002008-12-09T05:49:50.025-08:00

The sun is out and it's Carnival time in Plaza Santo spirito. Looks like fun. Forgot my Maximus costume.

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-87342695322741180972008-02-05T12:34:00.001-08:002008-02-16T14:00:37.901-08:00

In the midst of a week at Trattoria Mario. Asking questions & writing down recipes. Problem is I've got a nasty cold. Can't sleep or eat much nor do I want to. Everything was going along fine this morning until Romeo (chef / owner) hands me a snack of raw sausage on bread (description). Now I know this is fine to eat and actually tastes pretty good but with this cold I don't think I can do it

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-34308682465719752462008-02-04T14:45:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:50.733-08:00

Another cold and wet day. Looks like a big hearty meal of pasta to the rescue. Decided on a Meat sauce recipe from Judy Witts @ Divina cucina. We did this one in class with her last week (more about that later). I also wanted to create something new for a starter; Crostini with sliced egg over anchovy butter. Very pleased with the results. Tasty too.Tonight's ingredients.The resultsAntipasti

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-41484426020180248052008-02-03T13:48:00.001-08:002008-12-09T05:49:52.134-08:00

Welcome to Panzano in Chianti. Home of three things, Vineyards, Dario's Antica Macelleria Cecchini + his new restaurant SOLOCICCIA. A modern restaurant built into an old building across the street from the Macelleria (butcher shop).Yes, that's right. There is a group of men serenading Dario, his customers and people walking by. It's surreal. I'm told it's quite customary here. It's like a

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-37973431846597860412008-02-02T13:22:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:52.410-08:00

So you know how everything meat needs to be treated like a a Biowarefare experiment? How we hear about salmanella and e coli in the good ol' USofA, well let me tell you something my friends. It don't have to be that way. Over here in Italy meats are so fresh, raised so cleanly (ok, no research just observations and talking with local chefs) and so respected that you can eat it raw... seriously.

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-71309588402576783232008-02-02T00:19:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:49:56.835-08:00

Started the day waiting on a street corner at 5am for Stefano and Manuel (father & son), part of a family run shop called Conti at the Mercarto Centrale. Sellers of fine produce & food products. A beautiful family. They took me on the wholesale market run to pick up supplies. Picture a warehouse the size of two football fields. One for each type. Produce, meats, fish and flowers. Plus old

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-59467543451294508902008-02-01T13:29:00.001-08:002008-12-09T05:49:58.157-08:00

Welcome to Florence Italy. This journey is about the foods to be found here. During the month I will be studying with chefs, touring the countryside and cooking the local cuisine. Please sit back, return your seat to a reclined position and enjoy.To keep this blog on track I wanted to set some guidelines.1. Yes there are historical sites to see but this is a food fantasy come true so the food

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-22406424577360427472008-01-03T17:12:00.001-08:002008-12-09T05:49:58.932-08:00

Heidi Klum, Victoria's secretAdriana Lima, Victoria's secret.Alton Brown, Food Network.

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-80083758500677803552007-12-17T16:48:00.000-08:002008-02-16T14:07:21.604-08:00

After a day of running errands around town and freezin' me butt off it was time for a warm and tasty dinner. Off the subway and strolling home I stopped by the fish store to see what was what. Wanted an easy meal and simple flavors. Grabbed 1lb. sliced calamari rings and some aromatics from the grocer then an Italian bread from the baker on the corner. Back at home, put on some tunes and got

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108712795243425052.post-78042954863500139502007-12-12T20:03:00.000-08:002007-12-12T17:04:02.960-08:00

The apartment is quiet. My wife is out skating with friends in the city. Learning how to use this thing but really reflecting on 15 yrs + in Astoria & the same amount of time cooking as a career. When I moved here it was a fluke and 2 months later I fell into catering for fashion shoots in NYC. Things changed.At the time I had no idea how lucky I was. Astoria was where I slept. Had moved out

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10205159257100741292noreply@blogger.com0