BEST ITALIAN NEAR ME
BLOG BITES
Real Gourmet Blog
Mastering the Art of cooking
Insights from a Professional Chef's Culinary Journey
Welcome to "Blog Bites," your portal to the best of Italian cuisine and wine, curated by Chef Michele Casadei Massari, Alberto Ghezzi, and the Lucciola team. This blog melds expert recipes with insights into the best Italian wine, guiding you through Italy's diverse wine regions. Whether you're searching for the best Italian near me or craving an exploration of Italian wine regions, our sections like "Cuisine Corner" and "Culinary Adventures" offer a rich tapestry of Italian culinary and wine excellence. Join us in celebrating the art and culture of Italian dining, where each post is a testament to the finest Italian wine and cuisine, bringing the essence of Italian near me to your fingertips.
RECIPES | WINE | PANTRY | FASHIONABLE | TRAVEL | GADGET | RESTAURANTS REVIEW
Tasting Journey with Château Angelus and Lucciola
Last night, Apr 3, 2023, at Lucciola, we kicked off our Wine Club's French Wines Month in style, showcasing the extraordinary Bordeaux from Chateau Angelus.
Maître d' Alexandra Lascu warmly welcomed the guests, adding a personal touch to the evening. From the first bite to the last sip, every moment celebrated culinary excellence and shared camaraderie.
Suadela Showcase: An Evening of Italian Wine Excellence
In the heart of New York City's Upper West Side, amidst the bustling streets of the metropolis, a symphony of flavors unfolded on the evening of March 20, 2024. At the esteemed Lucciola restaurant, renowned chef Michele Casadei Massari crafted an unforgettable seven-course menu to accompany the exquisite lineup of wines from Suadela.
Lucciola: A Gastronomic Gem Crowned Best Restaurant in NYC by the New York State Restaurant Association's RISE Award
In the bustling and eclectic tapestry of New York City's dining scene, one intimate establishment has risen to claim the crown of culinary excellence. Lucciola, nestled discreetly in the city's heart, has been bestowed with the prestigious title of Best Restaurant in NYC by the New York State Restaurant Association's RISE (Recognizing Industry Success and Excellence) Award.
Colomba Giusti: An Italian Easter Delight
Easter is a time for joy and sharing, a perfect moment to enjoy traditional flavors with loved ones. Among the most beloved Easter specialties is the Colomba, a soft and fragrant leavened cake that symbolizes peace and rebirth.
This year, why not try something new and special? We present to you the Giusti Colomba with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and dark chocolate coating: an Italian excellence that will surprise your palate with a unique and original taste.
Explore Lucciola's Award-Winning Wines List
Fine dining isn't just about exceptional food but crafting an unforgettable experience. Lucciola, a haven for gourmands, received the prestigious 2023 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. This recognition places us amongst the global elite, showcasing an extraordinary dedication to the art of wine.
Wine Dinner with Donnafugata at Lucciola
On the evening of Monday, February 26, 2024, Lucciola hosted an unforgettable wine dinner, featuring the exquisite wines of Donnafugata, a beacon among Sicilian wine brands. This event marked Lucciola's second wine dinner of the year, showcasing a remarkable collaboration with Donnafugata, a name synonymous with the best wines from Sicily. Antonio Rallo, the esteemed winemaker from Donnafugata, graced New York City with his presence, bringing with him the rich flavors and heritage of Sicilian wines after a nearly five-year absence.
Exploring the unseen Warhol
Eggs, 1982" by Andy Warhol: A Dive into the Extraordinary Ordinary*
Join us in discovering a lesser-known masterpiece by Andy Warhol, a pioneer best known for his iconic pop art. Beyond his famous depictions of consumer goods and celebrities, Warhol's artistic exploration ventured into the simple and everyday, with "Eggs, 1982" exemplifying his late-career foray into abstraction. This artwork transcends mere representation, engaging with themes of repetition, mass production, and the transformation of the mundane into the sublime. Through eggs—a universal symbol of life and renewal—Warhol reveals his ability to uncover the profound within the prosaic, encouraging viewers to find beauty and inspiration in the everyday. "Eggs, 1982" is not just art; it's an invitation to view our world through a lens of limitless creativity and potential.
Exciting Launch: Discover Lucciola's Gourmet Store Online !
Discover the authentic flavors of Italy with our Italian grocery store, your one-stop destination for the finest Italian delicacies. From traditional pasta and aromatic coffees to exquisite wines and artisan cheeses, we bring you an unmatched selection of Italy's best. Sourced directly from local producers, our products promise the true essence of Italian cuisine, ready to transform your meals into a Mediterranean feast. Experience the rich culinary heritage of Italy with our premium selection—where quality meets tradition.
Savoring Tradition: Brodo and the Best Italian Wine Pairings
Brodo, the heartwarming Italian broth, is a culinary cornerstone, embodying the simplicity and depth of Italy's rich food culture. It's a versatile elixir, used in everything from nurturing soups to enhancing risottos, celebrated for bringing warmth and flavor to the table.
Parmigiano Reggiano: A Legacy Carved in Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano: a symphony of complex flavors encased in a crumbly texture, embodying centuries of Italian artisanal tradition and culinary excellence.
The Art of Selecting Superior Ingredients: A Chef's Manifesto
Selecting premium ingredients transforms dining into an art, turning meals into a celebration of senses and elevating dishes from good to transcendent. This process is not just about cooking but about creating memorable experiences that evoke emotions and connect people. It goes beyond preparation, honoring the journey from source to plate and respecting the environment. This commitment to quality and sustainability elevates the culinary experience, making each dish not just consumed, but cherished.
Champagne Dinner with Frank Pascal at Lucciola
Lucciola, the exquisite Italian restaurant in the heart of the city, played host to a Champagne Dinner curated by none other than the masterful winemaker, Frank Pascal. This exclusive event, organized by the Wine Society, marked the beginning of a spectacular year for wine enthusiasts, bringing together the finest biodynamic wines from Champagne.
New York, a dinner to save the Garisenda Tower in Bologna
Mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and tortellini on the menu of the fundraising event organized by chef Michele Casadei Massari. Governor Bonaccini: "Bologna was the Manhattan of the past." It takes 20 million to get it back on its feet.
A dinner in New York raising funds to straighten out the old Garisenda
February 5th at 7pm, in New York, in the city of "I'll make it new and taller," the city that more than any other embodies verticality, there is a dinner that is also a journey, and also a fundraiser entirely dedicated to saving a leaning and lopsided tower.
Coda alla Vaccinara
Dive into the savory world of "Coda alla Vaccinara," a traditional Roman oxtail stew with a rich history rooted in the heart of Rome's Testaccio district. Originating from the ingenuity of local butchers, this dish exemplifies the essence of 'cucina povera' - making the most out of simple, lesser-known ingredients. Discover the transformative journey of a humble cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece, a true testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of Rome's gastronomic heritage. Join us as we explore the flavors and stories behind this beloved Roman classic.
A Journey Through Gattinara
Lucciola, New York's culinary gem, hosted an exclusive Travaglini wine dinner on October 26, 2023. Guided by Alessia Travaglini, guests embarked on a journey through Gattinara's terroir. Each pour—from the vibrant Coste della Sesia 2022 to the ethereal Nebolè—unveiled the region's rich heritage. Chef Michele Massari's culinary artistry enhanced the experience, with dishes thoughtfully paired to complement the wines' nuances. As Alessia shared the family's winemaking legacy, guests were transported to Gattinara's sun-drenched slopes. It was an evening of elegance, flavor, and camaraderie—a celebration of Travaglini's timeless wines and the enduring allure of Italian terroir.
The Essence and Mastery of Tuna Sushi and Sashimi
At Lucciola, our beloved restaurant, we have two standout cuts that have captured our hearts: Senaka and Kama Toro. Senaka, from the upper back, offers a balanced texture that lets the tuna's natural flavors shine. Kama Toro, from the collar, surprises with its gelatinous texture and lingering umami taste. Sourced sustainably and prepared with meticulous precision, these cuts showcase our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whether enjoyed as sashimi or expertly crafted into nigiri, Senaka and Kama Toro invite you on a refined and indulgent culinary journey at Lucciola.
AUTHENTIC TORTELLINI RECIPE
Originating from Italy's Bologna region, tortellini pasta has a unique belly-button shape inspired by the goddess Venus. Authentic tortellini are crafted from a flour-and-egg dough filled with pork, mortadella, and raw ham. After being shaped, they're boiled in a flavorful hen broth. This timeless Italian recipe continues to delight palates globally.
Parmigiano reggiano cheesecake
I love Parmigiano Reggiano cheesecake for its exceptional flavor, luxurious texture, gourmet appeal, unexpected twist, and creative possibilities. It's a delightful dessert that always brings me joy.
