I HAVE MOVED

Dear Readers;

I've gotten better digs and am hosting my blog at:

http://www.daelias.com

Thanks for all of the support so far!

Roma Imports - meats and sub

If the blog seems Roma Imports heavy it's because they are so dependably good both in taste and value.

Today is no exception as I got some cured meat, olives and a sub that Paul made for me special!

You may recognize the hot and mild soprasatta in the photos but do you know mortadella?

Mortadella is the Italian cousin to American bologna; with pistacios and pepercorns.

The grind is superfine and there is a more distinct taste of pork to the meat.

It is great on it's own and when Paul mixed it in with soprasatta and capicolla to make my sub...

AWESOME!

Tomorrow I will post the two variety's of olive and a pasta that is gluten free and tastes great (versus so many horrible ones).

Roma Importing - Hard salami sub

Now that I'm actually writing about food I have to try new things rather than order my time tested favorites.

In that spirit I had the hard salami sub today at Roma Imports in Saratoga Springs. (see my larger entry about Roma in the archives)

FANTASTIC! The cure on the salami is difficult to describe; perhaps rich like an aged cheese.

This paired with the sharp provolone and I am in heaven. I have to also mention the bread which is really some of the best "Italian roll" that I've ever had.

I've lived in three major Italian areas of this country ( NYC, SF, and Utica, NY) and I can safely say Roma makes the best subs that I have ever had. 

Great crew, great food!

Carmine's on Saturday Night

There is too much to say about all of the cool stuff I got to do and see the other night at Carmine's Restaurant in Albany, NY.

Carmine help a small party in his TV studio and made plate after plate of challenging and creative food.

This one is a sort of Italian grilled cheese with Parma ham and an anchovy sauce made of white Sicilian anchovies. 

Forgive me but I didn't write down it's proper name.

It was a blast and I will post more soon.

- I went and got the proper description off Carmine's new blog...

- Mozzarella en Carozza with an anchovy-caper sauce

CHECK OUT CARMINE"S BLOG AT- lifeatcarmines.blogspot.com

"See What Was Once Wild!"

Here we see JP; the man who made me my first punk rock tape, trouble maker extraordinaire and prep-school mate.

Twenty plus years later we both are at church!

Crazy, eh?

More Carmine's

Carmine's Restaurant

Located at 818 Central Avenue, Albany, NY

I've been watching this chef on television for a while and liked his local style and pure chutzpah so I gave him a call and asked to come photograph him.

People, if you want something just ask! Carmine invited me right down and fed me before we have even had a chance to work together.

A chef's life is really chaotic and demanding and Carmine was called away before we actually got more than a handshake out. 

I wandered his place while I waited for some of the best risotto I've ever had; see my clean plate.

Note the autographed photo of Patrick Stewart! I'm a "Kirk" man myself  but there is no real question as to who could act. I was impressed to also see James Beard Foundation material up on the walls. 

There is also Carmine's kitchen studio for his television show right in the restaurant! It was cool to see that it looks the exactly same on TV as in person. This is going to be a sweet gig!