BAIA Pasta
Inspired by their roots in Northern Italy, Renato Sardo and Dario Barbone bring a missing piece of the Italian cuisine to the states: artisanal, organic, high quality pasta. Baia literally means “bay” in Italian, lending themes to their location in “The Bay”-Oakland, CA. With only two other employees, they practice the divine skill of small production. Their method: using five different types of organic wheat, they knead with cold water, cut with brass dies for a good al dente texture, and dry at low temperatures for great flavor. As you cook in boiling water, watch carefully: this is not a pasta you want to...
Read MoreBalsamic Vinegar
Who knew one of the world’s greatest condiments came from grape must? The tradition of balsamic vinegar has been raised into an art form. Age, region, and grade will highly affect how it is used. Left to right: 5 year old Condiment resembles just out of the nursery. It just growing out of the baby phase of balsamic. A wonderful addition to a salad. 8 year old Condiment is now a child, running freely with it’s own character showing through. 12 year old “Affinato” Condiment is the tween, smooth and perfect for everyday use. Then, we have the 18 year old “Affinato” Condiment. Mature: a slightly thicker syrup, very aromatic, and the must have for the main...
Read MoreCaseificio dell’Alta Langa: La Tur Cheese
Elegantly described as the “effect of ice cream served from a warm scoop, melting from the outside in.” This creamy brie is made from cow, goat, and sheep’s milk in the Alta Lange region of Italy. Earthy and full, a perfect match for sparkling wine or hard cider.
Read MoreRiso Bello Rice
Riso Bello, also referred as Riso Gallo, is the top rice company in Italy. This line provides the opportunity for a truly traditional Italian risotto that is easy to prepare at home. Made without GMO, colorants, preservatives, MSG, or hydrogenated vegetable fat; the perfect balance of high quality production and deliciously authentic Italian food that is good for the body. Carnaroli: the King of Italian rices. Known for it’s creamy yet firm texture, it is an extremely reliable grain. A delightful balance between it’s absorption capacity and its resistance to cooking makes this rice the number one choice for chef’s worldwide. Venere is a naturally black, wholegrain rice that originates from China. Today, it also thrives in Po Valley, Italy. When cooked, it releases a delicate sandalwood meets fresh baked bread aroma, which makes it a perfect match for fish and shellfish. Vialone Nano is a high quality, medium sized rice. Ideal for creamy and velvety risottos because it absorbs liquid very well, while retaining some bite, “al...
Read MoreFriendship Cup
The Friendship Cup, also called a grolla, is a round container made of turned wood that is often finely carved. It has a cover and spouts, varying in number according to its size, from which people drink traditional Valdostana coffee (from Val d’Aosta) – coffee mixed with Grappa, Génépy liqueur, sugar and spices. The Cup is considered an artistic object because it is still handmade and produced by only a few workshops of Valle d’Aosta. Friends gather around the table perhaps in front of a fireplace after a day of skiing or, in general, after a long and tiring day at work. After a number of “turns” around the table, the atmosphere warms up and tiredness...
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