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The evolution of Levitt Pizza – a 23-year journey…

October 11, 2014 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 3 Comments

Outdoor forgo or pizza oven | labellasorella.com

Outdoor Pizza Oven at Casa Levitt

Where do I begin… let’s just say that pre dot-com boom, Silicon Valley was not the food mecca it claims to be today, especially in terms of Italian food. Now you must understand, we were coming from a New Jersey suburb with easy access to New York City, so our expectations were high. We took New York pizza joints and corner family run stores where you could  grab a slice or a pepper and egg sandwich for granted.

In the early days, Mio Marito and I visited every local pizza place possible in search of something remotely familiar to what we were accustomed to. Every so often a fellow transplant from the New York metropolitan area would suggest a spot where the  pizza vaguely resembled that of the old country – the East Coast.  Yes there were a few contenders, but honestly nothing compared to John’s in the Village or the Reservoir in Boonton.  We were determined and in our humble rental home with it’s basic oven devised a recipe and system that eventually resulted in a rather exceptional New York style pizza (yes, a future post, stay tuned).

Ceramic Tile hand carried from Tropea |labellasorella.com

Ceramic Tile From Tropea Calabria

… 

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Filed Under: Living La Dolce Vita in California

Pasta e Piselli – Pasta and Peas

October 6, 2014 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 14 Comments

 

Pasta-e-piselli-finito

What was my favorite childhood dish you ask? Without hesitation it was Pasta e Peas!  As a child, I naturally thought that Pasta e Peas was Calabrese, something typical of the south; however almost every region in Italy has a pasta or rice piatto with peas. Some preparations are more of a minestra or soup, while others are considered a pasta…. 

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Filed Under: Comforting Soups, Pasta Dishes & Risottos

Branzini al Forno – Oven Roasted Branzini

September 29, 2014 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 2 Comments

Branzini al Forno - Oven Prepared Seabass |labellasorella.com

Branzini al Forno – Roasted Branzini

Santa Margherita Ligura, tucked between Portofino and Rapallo on the Gulf of Tigullio, epitomizes the nostalgic Italian Riveria.   Frequented by prosperous Northern Italians, the picturesque resort town features an inviting pedestrian zone, tromp l’oeil frescos, and old world elegant hotels.  During a morning passeggiata along the palm tree lined marina one can watch luxurious yachts set amongst traditional fishing boats.  The bustling morning fish market sources fresh catch for local establishments.  Never being a family intimidated by dining on a whole fish, as a toddler La Levitt  relished the sight of a well prepared head always eager to feast on the eyes (yes on not with), we first sampled Branzino some years ago dining al fresco in Santa Margherita Liguria…. 

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Filed Under: Main Course Dishes or Secondi, On the Road in Italy

Il Negroni Perfetto – The Perfect Negroni

September 22, 2014 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt

Pouring The Perfect Negroni | labellasorella.com

Pouring the Perfect Negroni

Mio Marito has become quite the Italophile over the years, developing an appreciation and  rather uncanny understanding of all things Italian, including yours truly. He has embraced the history, culture, customs, food, and wine. Did I mention the late afternoon aperitivi?  A veritable master of that domain…  Our early evening ritual when in Italy is to facciamo una bella passeggata (take a nice walk together) followed by an aperitivo before dinner.  After years of experience, his preferred cocktail is without a doubt, the Negroni.

Negroni ingredients LaBellaSorella

Apparently the Negroni came into being  in Florence in the 1920’s when the nobleman Count Cammillo Negroni asked a local establishment to prepare an Americano asking him to substitute gin for club soda.  Lucca Picchi, head bartender at Caffe Rivoire in Florence wrote a book about the colorful Count in 2008, available in Italian: Sulle Tracce del Conte: La Vera Storia del Cocktail Negroni (On the Trails of the Count: The True Story of the Negroni Cocktail)…. 

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Filed Under: Wine & Aperitivo Time

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After years of teaching regional Italian cooking classes, planning Italian adventures, and sharing my travel tips about Italy, starting a blog about Italian food, travels and lifestyle was a just natural next step. Learn More…

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