My Amazing Appetizers for 2016

As 2016 ends, it's sort of fun to look back to  where I've been, what I tasted, tried, and wrote about.  2016 witnessed a blog break of about four months; however, I think I managed to put together a list of some amazing appetizers that left me feeling, well...amazing!

Here they are in chronological order.

February 2016.

Osteria Francescana.  I never blogged about this trip, but I sure took some pics.  Take a look at some of Chef Massimo Bottura's appetizers that I tried. 

I even got my book signed!  Grazie, chef!!

March 2016

Chef Domenico Stile - before he earned his Michelin star last month.  2 appetizers grabbed my attention- 

 Scallops , Calabrian broccoli, sea urchins and peanuts...

Buffalo, hazelnut mayonnaise, shallots and tarragon..

May 2016 - 

One of many visits to Don Alfonso 1890, which is probably one of my favorite places on earth.  Last May, I had the chance to try a revised version of the Iaccarino family's spring vegetables. Chef Ernesto Iaccarino does it again!

Chef Ciro Longobardi is the Executive Chef of Hotel Tramontano.  I had the pleasure to enjoy lunch and dinner Ristorante Belvedere, the hotels flagship restaurant.  Longobardi's squid and creamy fava bean grabbed my heart and never let go!

Chef Vincenzo Guarino, a grande chef and friend left Campania for the hills of Tuscany to a little town in Chianti.  Chef junkie that I decided to pay him a visit that required nearly 5 hours of driving.  It was worth the trip.  Appetizers like his pappa al pomodoro make my list for 2016.

April 2016

Chef Lino Scarallo, making himself at home in Palazzo Petrucci's location on the beach in Posillipo shared these spring appetizers with me.  Cuttlefish and fresh spring vegetables...

Caramelized zucchini flowers and ricotta.

 A young Michelin starred chef named Cristian Torsiello happened to be one of the few chefs that I decided to visit more than once this past year.  That says a lot, considering his Osteria Arbustico is nearly a 90-minute drive from my house.  Check out his eel, almonds, and radishes!

June 2016

Back to Torsiello and this time I enjoyed his sweetbreads!

It was an honor to have a seat at the chef's table at Dani Maison.  A front row seat at two-starred Michelin chef Nino Di Costanzo's restaurant, which at the time had only been opened for a few weeks.  It as nearly impossible to not fall in love with his Gran Cru - Do featuring the freshest seafood and amazing serving dishes made from Murano glass.

Michelin starred Chef Domenico Iavarone’s candele al ragu, which he presented at Festa a Vico 2016 and his tuna, ricotta and cherry were to not to miss appetizers.

July 2016

Chef Vincenzo Piacente - a young chef/friend surprised me last summer with an appetizer/aperitif designed especially for me.  His appetizer al Americana included some of my favorites such as a mini cheeseburger and fried chicken!

Chef Domenico De Simone of Il Bikini also shareed some amazing appetizers for the summer.  Scallops and foie gras, omg!

Back at Palazzo Petrucci and Chef Scarallo/ This time his seafood salad paired with the waves on the beach.

Chef Paolo Barrale , Marenna' Ristorante also had some amazing appetizers in 2016 - like this beef tartare, ricotta, and hazelnut fusion.

August 2016

Chef Marcello Corrado scallop ceviche and its hidden veggies were also amazing!

I finally found my way to Ravello and Chef Michele Deleo.  Of the many exciting treats the store had for me at the Michelin starred Ristorante Rossellini’s, his Mullet alla Norma stole my heart.

October 2016

It is always a pleasure to enter Chef Alfonso Caputo's kitchen to see what he is up to.  Like this onion ravioli...

and his sea urchin and arugula ice cream.

Chef Francesco Sposito, To Michelin stars, did not disappoint this season.  On the contrary!  I enjoyed something old and something new - like his squid tagliatelle...

and new like his eggplant parmigiana featuring tiny eggplants

 as well as a benvunuto starring a single oyster topped with tomato water foam and Campari soda!

December 2016

A first time visit to Torre del Saracino and Double starred Michelin Chef Gennaro Esposito left me speechless - beh except for the -what took me so long!!

I went cuttlefish crazy...

and a smoked palamita fan for life.

A quick train trip to visit the To Starred Michelin chef Oliver Glowig- an expat like me, who recently opened up a casual cozy restaurant in Rome's Terminal train station.  A simple yet delicious chicory, anchovy, and ricotta salad.

And this is only a taste of my 2016.  Stay tuned!

More on my amazing appetizers here!