The easiest Italian plate to prepare, prosciutto and melone has become increasingly popular in recent years. How could it not? The pairing of sweet melon and salty ham was a genius idea! Plus, there’s minimal prep time in the kitchen, it’s diet friendly and then there’s that oh so savory salty/sweet combination. Hmm-mmmm, that’s good! Although it could also be… Read more →
According to U.S. News and World Report, the Mediterranean Diet was voted BEST OVERALL DIET for the third year in a row! The Mediterranean Diet was first mentioned in the 1950s by American physiologist, Ancel Benjamin Keys. He was searching for a correlation between coronary heart disease and diet. His first case study was in Naples due to the fact… Read more →
Italians and the business of hospitality go hand in hand. Hugs, kisses, invitations to sit down and eat something, which quickly become commands if you seem to hesitate – “Come on, have something!” By now every American should be familiar with this persuasion tactic, if not then ask any first generation Italian-American to share some stories about their childhood with… Read more →
You would think that with the word parmigiana in its name there would be no doubt about its origins. However, it may surprise you to discover that if you order a Parmigiana in Italy you will find no meat on your plate. Parmigiana in Italy is what we call Eggplant Parmigiana. The origins of this plate are thought to have… Read more →
The artichoke is an ancient plant with evidence of its existence as far back as the 8th Century BC. Its culinary and medicinal use was diffused by the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. Even today all parts of the artichoke are used in different recipes including the stem, the heart and the choke. The heart, of course being the most popular,… Read more →
Recently a guest at Villa Mosconi wrote a review on Yelp (see below) noting how he found us during his search for a restaurant which also served Biscuit Tortoni. For those who are unfamiliar with this dessert, Tortoni is an almond-flavoured ice cream treat covered in amaretto crumbs and topped with a maraschino cherry. Biscuit Tortoni is an old classic… Read more →
“Call Me By My Name” ~ Parmigiano Reggiano, DOP Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the most popular cheeses in Italy; it’s really difficult to find an Italian household that’s run out of Parmigiano. Italians usually buy their Parmigiano Reggiano in pieces of approximately a kilogram each, and they usually take it home whole. Some will have a portion grated in… Read more →
Looking for a simple homemade meal to warm you up on a cold winter’s day? There’s nothing more heartwarming than our Tortellini in Brodo! Back in Italy, our parents and grandparents used to prepare this dish for the winter holidays. On either Christmas Day or New Year’s Day this would be served as a first entrée. The preparations were quite… Read more →
In Italy there is a saying: “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” That is,“Christmas with your loved ones, Easter with whomever you desire” Whereas Christmas is a holiday surrounded by family, eating comfort foods and recharging for the long winter ahead, Easter is considered by Italians to be the signal for the start of warmer weather and outdoor… Read more →
This simple plate, which is appealing to almost everyone, has a lot of debates held in regards to its origins and the story behind its name. First let’s get the translation settled. Cacciatore means hunter. In Italian alla cacciatora means having to do with a hunter, as in accessories and tools like a hunting jacket, hunting pants, etc.. There are… Read more →