Italian

Bits & Bites With Astrid Speranza

May 3rd, 2010 | By
Bits & Bites With Astrid Speranza

I recently had the pleasure of seeing Chef Astrid Speranza appear on a Greek reality show. The premise of the show is where the subject (sometimes male, sometimes female) is taken on four dates where the suitor will woo them with their home cooking and charm. The week culminates at a restaurant where the subject [...]



The Hornero: Woodburning Brick Oven

Apr 18th, 2010 | By
The Hornero: Woodburning Brick Oven

I am very particular about my pizzas. I like em with a thin crust (but not Lavash cracker thin), I like fresh ingredients for toppings (no canned/jarred ingredients) and a well-seasoned sauce. I often make pizza at home using a homemade pizza dough and the toppings may vary, depending on what’s in my pantry and [...]



Eggplant Parmesan

Mar 2nd, 2010 | By
Eggplant Parmesan

What if I told you that there’s a dish that you can make at home (affordably), be transported into an Italian home and taste authentically Italian? You with me? What if that dish was also vegetarian but was as filling as a meat dish? Look no further than Eggplant Parmesan. This recipe comes to you [...]



Penne All’Arrabiata

Feb 8th, 2010 | By
Penne All’Arrabiata

There’s one week left until the Greek-Orthodox Lent commences. This is the third and final week of Carnival, the final farewell before a fast up until Greek Easter (April 4th). This week is called Tyrini, where meat is dropped from the diet but cheeses, dairy products and eggs are allowed. Shellfish is still allowed. In [...]



Spaghetti With Tomato and Basil

Jun 15th, 2009 | By
Spaghetti With Tomato and Basil

Of all the Italian dishes that one could (and can love), for me there is a no equal to the quick, delicious and simple Spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil. Living in Canada, we are blessed to be living in a harmonious and multicultural country that is Canada. Here in Toronto, we boast of having [...]



Making Gnocchi With a Side of Veal Milanese

May 20th, 2009 | By
Making Gnocchi With a Side of Veal Milanese

Last year I finally splurged and bought myself a pasta maker and although I do still use dried (store bought) pasta, nothing can compare to the ritual and rewarding meal one has with making and eating pasta. Another food journey has taken me to making my own bread. I’ve become kind of a bread snob, [...]



Pasta With Wild Leek Pesto

May 9th, 2009 | By
Pasta With Wild Leek Pesto

The “early summer” edition of the LCBO’s Food & Drink is now circulating and this one’s pretty good. There’s two or three Greek-inspired recipes worth trying, a write-up on Ouzo and some other dishes I’ve bookmarked for trying out. This pesto made for a quick and delicious lunch yesterday. It calls for the use of [...]



Nina’s Pasta Cu L’agghia

Mar 10th, 2009 | By
Nina’s Pasta Cu L’agghia

Okay, here’s the deal…Greek Lent began two Mondays ago and Greek Easter is on April 19th. I observed a “fast” for one week and I’ll fast again during Holy Week (just before Easter). I’ve made a shift in my diet whereby I’ve cut down on meat. Less poultry, less beef and pork. I will never [...]



Ragu of Braised Lamb

Jan 25th, 2009 | By

This past Friday I drank & supped with some old and new friends and discovered a new eatery that’s operated in Toronto for years. I supped at none other than Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant. Upon pulling up in front of what used to be a bank, you wonder if you’re at the right [...]



Heads & Tales: Fish Tails (and a Recipe)!

Dec 6th, 2008 | By

Today’s installment of my New York City recap involves making more new friends from the blogging community, celebrating seafood and living like a New Yorker. Having been given the luxury of having one week to live in New York City gave me a new perspective on this great city. New Yorkers are kind. Throughout the [...]