For Your Dining Pleasure – Visit Resto!

If you haven’t been to Resto in Madison New Jersey you are missing the best meal of your life !

 I took a group of 20 people for dinner and a dessert demo and it was truly outstanding!

The décor at this restaurant resembles a small bistro in Paris with beautiful artwork decorating the walls.  We were presented with a menu consisting of:

Mussels with saffron and white wine sauce as the appetizer, and Pan Seared Scallops with onions and leeks ragout as the main course for the evening.

Robert Ubaus, the owner and chef, explained each of the dishes that were presented to us.  He also spoke to us about ‘healthy eating’ considerations especially when you are dining out.

 After we finished our main course, Robert, gave us a cooking demonstration on making crepes, which was our dessert!  Topped off with whipped cream infused with Calvados.  During the demonstration he educated us on the making of Calvados! 

 It was an evening full of good food and great company.  So all you foodies out there you must give this restaurant a try!  It will be sure to enlighten your taste buds!  Bring your own wine and enjoy!

By the way he is in the process of expanding his facilities this December but you really need to call in advance to make those reservations.   When he opens the adjoining section, he will be serving both lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays!

Buon Appetito!

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Shopping for Fresh Pasta in Rome !

While on tour in Rome, our chef, Daniela, took us shopping for our fresh pasta at Pasta Fresca Mea, across the street from the Testaccio market in Rome.  This store has been in existence since 1947.  While we were there they were busy making fresh lasagna, spinach and cheese stuffed cannelloni, and tortellini stuffed with pumpkin, which is very popular in Rome during the fall.

Their display case was full of fresh ravioli, tagliatelle, gnocchi di patate, Roman rice balls and more!  Daniela ordered fresh fettuccini, which was cut to order.  This was a necessary ingredient for the fettuccini with artichokes and pancetta.

 If you are ever in the Testaccio area of Rome you must stop by, but do it early in the morning when they are busy creating their pastas!  While you are there don’t forget to visit Volpetti, a specialty food store at Via Marmorata 47.

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Cooking Roman Dishes in Rome!

While on my tour of Italy this fall I took my group for a cooking lesson in Rome.  Our chef, Daniela, met us for a tour of the Testaccio Markets.  First we went into a pasta store and watched as they made all the pastas by hand.  They were busy filling cannelloni, making lasagna and tortellini.  Then we crossed the street and entered the market area, which was filled with fresh vegetables, fish, meats, fresh breads and fruits. We finished purchasing all our fresh ingredients and then we walked to her apartment in the Aventine hill section of Rome. 

We were quite excited to get started. We gathered around her kitchen and reviewed the recipes while we sipped our cup of espresso. The lesson consisted of:  fettuccini with artichokes (in season of course), veal saltimboca (using only the freshest of sage, which was picked from her herb garden), and a delicious dessert made with ricotta cheese and chocolate.  Some of us participated and others watched!  This is the advantage of a small intimate group.  Now we were ready to taste the fruits of our labor!  We sat at a beautiful table set with fresh flowers and beautiful linens, which only enhanced Daniela’s hospitality. Our meal began with fresh ricotta cheese and bruschetta topped with red ripe tomatoes, which you can only find in Rome.  The fettuccini with the artichokes and pancetta was out of this world. The hand made fettuccini was so light and tender.  The veal Saltimboca was better than any restaurant could have prepared.  The chocolate ricotta dessert was so light and delicious.  It was presented with chocolate gelato topped with candied orange pieces. Let us not forget the after dinner drinks. Is your mouth watering yet? Daniela is the perfect host and chef.   We had a most enjoyable lesson and now we were ready to walk back to the center of Rome. 

If you are at all interested in taking a cooking lesson allow Gourmet Getaways to make the connection for you.  It is quite the experience!  And should not be missed

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