Downtown Italian: Recipes Inspired by Italy, Created in New York's West Village

Description

Amid the cobblestoned streets and picturesque brownstones of New York's charming West Village, three dynamic young restaurateurs are creating some of the most inventive and delicious Italian-inspired cuisine in a city world-famous for its Italian food. Now the drinks and dishes that have inspired fanatical loyalty among customers of dell'anima, L'Artusi, L'Apicio and Anfora-including Charred Octopus with Chicories, Impromptu Tiramisu, and a sparking Roasted Orange Negroni Sbagliato-are accessible to home cooks in the first cookbook from executive chef Gabriel Thompson, pastry chef Katherine Thompson, and beverage director Joe Campanale. Gabe Thompson's antipasti, pastas, main courses, and side dishes emphasize simplicity and deep flavor, using the freshest ingredients, creative seasonings, and the occasional unexpected twist---in such dishes as Sweet Corn Mezzaluna and Chicken al Diavolo. Katherine Thompson's desserts are both inspired and downright homey, running the gamut from a simple and sinful Bittersweet Chocolate Budino to the to-die-for Espresso-Rum Almond Cake with Caramel Sauce, Sea Salt Gelato, and Almond Brittle. And all are paired with thoughtfully chosen wines and ingenious Italian-inspired cocktails-Blame it on the Aperol, anyone?-by Joe Campanale, one of the most knowledgeable young sommeliers in New York City.

Joe Campanale is beverage director and co-owner of dell'anima, L'Artusi, and Anfora in New York's West Village and of L'Apicio in the East Village. Gabriel Thompson is Executive Chef and partner at L'Artusi, dell'anima, Anfora and L'Apicio, New York. Katherine Thompson is Executive Pastry Chef at dell'anima, L'Artusi, and L'Apicio, New York.

"Because my husband and I are Italian and eat a Mediterranean diet at home, we tend not to go out for Italian food. But sharing Italian food and drink with our friend Joe Campanale at his restaurants feels like being in our home away from home. This book is as vibrant and delectable as the food itself. It makes you excited to eat, drink, and be at one with your food." (Rachael Ray, television personality and best-selling author) "Gabe, Katherine, and Joey have a cult following for their delicious food and wine pairings at their downtown New York City restaurants. This book is a glimpse into their world. Now you can re-create the experience at home with the approachable and accessible recipes in Downtown Italian." (April Bloomfield, chef/owner The Spotted Pig, author A Girl and Her Pig) "I can vouch for the soul-satisfying deliciousness of all of these dishes, as they are staples of my favorite Village restaurants, dell'anima, L'Artusi, and L'Apicio. These recipes are much like Gabe, Katherine, and Joey--smart, honest, easy to love, and just damn good!" (Anita Lo, chef/owner Annisa, author Cooking Without Borders) "Joe, Gabriel, and Katherine have brought modern Italy to the West Village; I frequent their restaurants to get my fill of crudo, pasta, wine, and other favorites. Downtown Italian is a comprehensive collection of recipes that combine fresh ingredients and simple authentic techniques, provoking a recurring craving with each turn of the page." (Jean-Georges Vongerichten, chef/owner Jean Georges restaurants) "Whenever I'm in New York City, you will find me at dell'anima, L'Artusi, Anfora, or L'Apicio--or all four! The reason: Gabe and Katherine Thompson's soulful cooking paired with Joe Campanale's wine and cocktail genius. This book will show you exactly how to bring this culinary power trio's special brand of brilliance into your home." (Tim Love, chef/owner Loneseom Dove Western Bistro, author Tim Love on the Lonesome Dove Trail)