Fantasticaaa Fantastic Firsts - Chef Cristian Torsiello, Osteria Arbustico, Capaccio (Sa)

Chef Cristian Torsiellp

During the drive to Osteria Arbustico that Saturday, I was hit with everything from bright sunshine to strong winds and heavy downpours.  My drive to the Michelin starred restaurant located in Capaccio took me past the seaside where the waves were high, rough, and just a bit frightening.  A bit frightening, but honestly, a little exciting, since I was on my way to taste the cuisine of Chef Cristian Torsiello. A trip that I haven't made in over a year.

As I pulled into the parking lot of Royal Hotel Paestum, where the restaurant has been located for nearly two years, the rain had stopped.  This gave me just enough time to dash into the lobby and make my 1 pm reservation.
As I was led to my table and was treated to an aperitif and some amazing appetizers, I was curious as to what was going in the kitchen.  I always am.  So with the chefs permission, I entered inside Torsiellos spa del cibo.  His kitchen where the chef, and two trusted members of his brigade were at the pass preparing his risotto - perfect for the fall season.

I watched attentively as Marco Zoppicante and Giueppe Scala plated risotto with buffalo milk cheese, roasted onion and black truffles. 

Giuseppe Scala and Marco Zoppicante

The aromas that arose from this dish were fantasticaaa...

Next up,

a mixed pasta minestra with turnip tops, clams, basil, and lupini bean foam.

Two dishes, a creamy risotto - a flavorful minestra, which  I must confess, had me reaching for the bread basket to sop up the fabulous flavors that Torsiello had shared with me that afternoon.

Did I say fabulous? 

I meant fantastic!

Spaghetti Madness x 2 - Chef Luigi Salomone and Chef Cristian Torsiello, Chef Experience at Piazzetta Milu

A four hands dinner featuring two plates of spaghetti madness? I am so there.

The place, PiazzettaMilu in Castellammare di Stabia (Na).  Head Chef Luigi Salomone invited amicone Cristian Torsiello of Osteria Arbustico, Valva (Sa) to join him in his kitchen for una grande evening of great food, wine and company Campania style.

Spaghetti madness part 1.

Sous Chef Mario Fusco and Chef Luigi Salomone

I got a glimpse of the plate in progress while leaning against the wall in the kitchen.  Salomone and his sous chef Mario Fusco stirring and tasting, tasting and stirring…until it was just right. 

An appetizer of spaghetti di Gragnano, fermented greens, and stracciata di bufala….

Next, Spaghetti madness part 2.

Chef Cristian Torsiello

Torsiello in action.  Take a look at this pot!  Shaken and stirred!

Spaghettone di Gragnano with turnip greens and herring.

Pasta is a girl’s best friend x 2…

Forza Torsiello!

Chef Cristian Torsiello

Torsiello.  A name that has been on my blog quite often over the  last few months.  A visit to the Michelin starred restaurant Osteria Arbustico pulled me out of my writers block back in April.  A recent visit last month gave me more material and a sneak peek at the young brothers, Tomas and Cristian's latest dream - opening a trattoria 5 km from their restaurant.  A dream not to be viewed as a cash cow, but an opportunity to share his cuisine with tourists and locals in his beloved hometown,Valva. The grand opening of Al Mulino was scheduled for tomorrow evening. I, like many of his friends was excited to see what the chef and his staff would have in store for us.

Last night, a group of arsonist tried to burn down  that sogno.

They tried, by breaking in, pouring gasoline on the chairs and tables and then setting fire to the Torsiello dream.

Instead they only fueled a fire of solidarity around this young chef and all his staff...

Forza, Torsiello!  

A name that has been on my mind, my blog and my heart the last few months.  The south shall rise again...