So, it’s getting to the end of Summer, and you’re probably getting Potlucked out. AND you’re probably tired of bringing the same thing/eating the same thing at some of them. I usually bring dessert, but lately, everyone’s last minute go to is to buy dessert on the way. SO lately, my go to has been a BLT Pasta Salad. I mean I love the normal Italian dressing-y pasta salad, but.. bacon makes everything better, right?! …
Pasta alla Carbonara
The first time I had Pasta alla Carbonara was for brunch in Chicago at a restaurant named The Publican. I can still remember how amazing it was: the sauce, the bucatini, the pork belly, the parmesan… My mouth is watering just remembering. If you’ve never tried Carbonara and are an Alfredo person, trust me when I say that you will be converted. …
Braised Short Rib Ragu
Whenever I’m in NYC and not sure where to grab a bite (I’m sorry, I get overwhelmed with all the options!!), one of my go to places for yummy either on the go or casual sit down is Eataly. If you haven’t been to one (there’s also one in Chicago), you should go. It’s a mix between restaurants, farmer’s markets, patisseries, and more. AND it doesn’t hurt that Mario Batali has a hand it in. The first time I went for dinner was to La Pizza & La Pasta. I had the braised short rib ragu with cavatelli pasta. I’ve been on a ragu kick ever since. The wine enriched sauce with the tender beef and the sprinkle of parmesan… MMM!
Fun Fact: The French Ragout and the Italian Ragu are derived from the same French verb ragoûter, meaning “to stimulate the appetite.” The introduction of the French food was thought to be during Napoleon’s invasion of what is now Italy. …