Italian-Inspired Seasonals and A New Gelato

*These seasonals run 1/27 - 2/22*

Italy’s global reputation for exceptional food is well-earned. You can find restaurants serving pizza and pasta in places as distinct from each other as Nuuk, Greenland and Papeete, Tahiti. What gets lost in the export, sometimes at least, are the many regional specialties that make exploring Italy from north to south such a culinary adventure. In a country that has been politically united only since 1871, pride in regional cuisine is strong. And not do Italy’s twenty distinct regions have their specialties, but within each region are cities and villages with delicacies unique to that place.  

Our newest round of seasonal pizzas celebrates regional Italian cuisine through one of Rome’s most famous pastas, and the distinctive flavors of Sicily. Our seasonal pizza, Amatriciana, is inspired by the extraordinary and timeless flavors of spaghetti all’amatriciana, a dish featured at just about every trattoria in The Eternal City. We layer thinly-sliced pancetta (vibrant pork flavor and bacon-like texture) over creamy fresh mozzarella on a crushed Italian tomato base seasoned with chili pepper flakes. After baking, we finish the pizza with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and mint. 

For our seasonal pizza Sicilian Cauliflower, we head south to the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Over the last millennium, Sicily has been home to Greeks, Romans, Arabs, French, and Spanish peoples. Each culture contributed influences to modern-day Sicilian cuisine. Taking cues from Sicily’s unique and wonderful food, we start by caramelizing florets of cauliflower seasoned with spices and a dash of hot pepper, then layer the crisp-tender florets with raisins, parsley, mozzarella, fontina, parmesan and breadcrumbs over an olive oil base.  

To turn the tables, our seasonal gelato is an American-inspired dessert made by the Italian Maria Coassin, who was born into a family in Maniago, Italy, with a 200-year baking tradition. She opened Gelatiamo in 1996. Many of Gelatiamo’s flavors are authentic Italian classics, like stracciatella, pistachio, and hazelnut, but our new seasonal, Strawberry Cheesecake, is an Italian twist on the American favorite. This silky and deeply flavored gelato features a cheesecake base swirled with a house-made strawberry jam and graham-cracker streusel. 

Enjoy your (culinary) travels!