“I’m not a chef, I’m Italian”- David Rocco


Saturday, February 22, 2014

"A Venetian Carnevale Celebration" in NYC, Saturday March 1st

 
 UPDATE: EVENT SOLD OUT!!
 
It’s almost here, my “Venetian Carnevale Celebration” in NYC on March 1st! This is my first event since launching “Magic &Pasta” and I can’t wait to share this unique dining experience with all of you. If you are still interested in attending, I have a new link for tickets since the event is sold out on EventBrite, you can now get tickets through Bookalokal:

For tickets, please refer to this link: http://bookalokal.com/meal/52ffcfcbac194ee4477b62e0

If you have any questions about attending the event, please e-mail me at magicandpasta@hotmail.com or lacucinaprimadonna@hotmail.com

Just to tempt you all, here is the menu again:

 
MENU

Polenta Fritti with Miele di Castagno (chestnut honey) and Meile Arancio (orange honey)


Crispy, fried rosemary polenta served with assorted Italian honeys


Radicchio, Artichoke and Fig Salad with a Lemon Balsamic Reduction in a Parmigiano Crisp


Shaved radicchio, artichoke and figs with a drizzle of balsamic reduction served in a parmigiano crisp cup



Cornmeal Crusted Shrimp Lollipops


A little whimsy... fried cornmeal crusted shrimp lollipos


 


Frittelle are a traditional Carnevale treat, everyone has their own twist...mine are made with celery root and served with a creamy basil aioli


Individual “Le Grande Lasagna di Carnevale” Ramekins



Lasagna di Carnevale is traditionally enjoyed around Carnevale as a last meat splurge before Lent...my version is completely homemade, the pasta, ricotta and my prize winning Bolognese with sausage, beef and pancetta



 

Carnevale Cookies


A traditional festive cookie covered with sprinkles


Prosecco

Monday, February 10, 2014

Celery Root Frittelle with a Basil Sirracha Aioli and A Venetian Carnevale Celebration!


 
Ciao mei amici! Today’s treat is something I will be serving at my upcoming “Venetian Carnevale Celebration.” This is my first official ticketed event in NYC since starting “Magic & Pasta.” Food, drinks, masks and mischief, it’s going to be a really fun and delicious night, I hope some of you can join us. For me ticket information and a full menu for "A Venetian Carnevale Celebration" you can go here and here.

These Celery Root Frittelle are just incredible. I know, I know, you hear celery root and your initial reaction might be “BOOOOORING.” But let me tell you, that is not the case. Celery root is delicious, it sort of reminds me of a taro, which I love. Frittelle are a traditional fried treat served for Carnevale but I didn’t want to go with a traditional recipe, hence the celery root. I serve these with a Basil Sirracha Aioli. You will LOVE them.

Celery Root Frittelle with Basil Sirracha
Aioli
 
 
Basil Sirracha Aoli
 
2 cups basil leaves
3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic
Salt
2 large egg yolks
3 tbsp. grape seed oil
2 tbsp. sirracha

Set up a bowl with ice and cold water. Put basil in a medium saucepan of salted boiling eater, cook for 20 seconds, then drain and submerge in the ice water for 30 seconds. Drain and squeeze out any excess water. In a pan over medium heat, add your olive oil and garlic and let it gently roast so it gets soft. In a blender, combine basil, egg yolks, salt and 2 ice cubes, puree to combine. With machine running add the garlic and oil in a slow and steady stream. Add the sirracha. Try the sauce and add more seasoning if you like. Keep chilled.
 

 
Celery Root Frittelle
 
 
4 cups of grated celery root
3 tbsp. parsley
¼ cup olive oil
Sea salt
Pepper
½ cup plus 2 tbsp. flour
1/3 to ½ beer
1 ½ quarts canola oil for frying
 
In a large bowl, mix the celery root, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper. Add flour, stir more and then add the beer. The mix should be a little sticky and hold together when you form it into balls or patties. If you need to, add a little more beer. Heat your oil in a heavy pot over medium high heat. Drop the fritters in and let them fry until they are a beautiful golden color. Each fritter should take around 5 minutes or so. Using a slotted spoon, move the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. Season with salt. Serve while they are still warm with the aioli for dipping!! Buon Appetito!!