La Buona Tavola

Although I am always sad to see summer turn to fall, there is something about the crispness in the air that I can’t help but love. As the fires in our outdoor grills transition to the cozy fires warming our …

Octopus is finally available again in seafood stores in Southern California. In Italy, being able to buy freshly fished octopus is nearly a birthright.  Along the entire coast of the southern portion of the Italian peninsula—from Naples on the Mediterranean …

Since my Italian-American childhood, I have always been interested in everything Italian—especially Italian food. Whenever possible, I find myself on a plane headed to Italy for pleasure and sometimes work. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned traveling abroad is …

It’s hard to beat a well-made pizza margherita whose colors are the very symbol of Italy, but in the cool of autumn, I find myself craving a more hefty—and healthy—pie topped with pork sausage and broccoletti di rapa, a variation …

Ingredients: 1 Lb Pappardelle pasta, 1/2 Lb Ground beef, 1/2 Lb Ground pork, 6 Oz Tomato paste, 1 Small onion, finely chopped, 1 Carrot, finely chopped, 1 Stalk celery, finely chopped, 3 Bay leaves, Pich of nutmeg, 4 Tbsp EV olive oil, Salt   Directions: In a large pan saute …

It’s been often said that it takes a village to raise a child. One could assert the same about an education in wine and food … getting one takes a village of supportive folks. In his new book The Wines …

Trade fairs, demonstrations, master-classes, workshops, films, lectures, galas and special events aimed at showcasing individual Italian territories and the protection of DOP products are all parts of the rich program coordinated by the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles …

Autumn is typically one of my favorite seasons of the year, especially in Italy. A recent trip to Montalcino was glorious – the colors of the vines changing from green to gorgeous hues of orange and brown in just a …

In this video recipe, Rossella Rago of Cooking with Nonna shows us how to prepare Baked anellini, a classic Sicilian dish that is perfect both for a simple Sunday dinner or for a special family occasion. 

I was in the Pacific Northwest recently visiting family and as usual, I was amazed at the abundance of fresh local seafood available in the local markets. Beautiful locally raised black mussels for $5.99/lb is not something you’d ever see …