Italy is a synonym for culinary excellence, promising a plethora of gastronomic delights that lure food enthusiasts from around the globe.

Each establishment narrates a story of flavor and tradition, from bustling Neapolitan pizzerias to elegant Tuscan trattorias. Exploring Italy’s best restaurants offers an exciting and flavorful journey, with each region showcasing its signature dishes and tastes.

Join us as we guide you through Italy’s culinary scene, ensuring an exquisite dining experience.

Italy’s Culinary Landscape

Regional Delicacies

Italy boasts a wealth of regional cuisines, each shaped by the local climate. In Lombardy, for instance, you’ll find soothing, creamy risottos often prepared with saffron or mushrooms, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Piedmont is renowned for its exquisite truffles, adding a touch of luxury to dishes like pasta and risotto. Chefs in Piedmont use fresh truffles to impart an earthy flavor unparalleled elsewhere.

In Sicily, a plethora of fantastic seafood dishes awaits, thanks to its Mediterranean location ensuring a constant supply of fresh fish. The flavors are always authentic, ranging from simple grilled fish to sophisticated seafood pasta.

Michelin Stars

For those seeking a luxurious dining experience, Italy’s Michelin-starred restaurant collection won’t disappoint. Expect chefs to showcase their creativity through innovative cooking techniques.

These prestigious kitchens prioritize high-quality ingredients, featuring delicacies like tender veal or homemade ravioli filled with cheese and meat.

Securing a reservation at these establishments can be challenging; booking months in advance might be necessary to dine under the Michelin stars.

Traditional Eateries

For an authentic Italian cuisine experience, traditional restaurants like trattorias are a must-visit. Family recipes passed down through generations fill the menu and bellies with classic flavors like carbonara or ossobuco.

Osterias offer more than just food; they invite patrons into a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying local wines and hearty dishes.

And let’s not forget pizzerias! Whether it’s a Neapolitan pizza with a fluffy crust or a Roman pizza with a thin base, nothing beats enjoying these pies under the Italian sky.

Northern Italy

A gourmet’s paradise, Northern Italy is known for its butter-based sauces and polenta dishes. Dining here involves richly flavored meals that reflect the hearty nature of the local cuisine.

In these eateries, you can savor world-famous cheeses. Gorgonzola and Taleggio are just a couple of the delicious varieties available. The influence of neighboring Austria and Switzerland gives Northern Italian cuisine its unique twist.

Central Italy

Central Italy offers its distinct flavors. Tuscany is famous for its refined olive oil and exquisite Chianti wines. A meal here might start with golden oil on crispy bread, followed by a sip of dark-red wine.

Umbria, another central region, offers hearty bean soups with sausage products, like salami or prosciutto, staples enjoyed by locals for generations.

Each dish tells the story of Central Italy through its ingredients and preparation methods.

Whether you’re exploring the Michelin-starred establishments or traditional eateries, Italy’s dining scene offers an unforgettable experience, rich in taste and tradition.

Southern Italy

As you journey south, the flavors intensify under the Mediterranean sun. Naples is synonymous with vibrant tomato-based dishes. Meanwhile, Calabria will add a spicy kick to your palate with its use of hot peppers in many recipes.

Seafood plays a crucial role in the cuisine of the southern coast due to its abundance in local waters:

Indulge in a Neapolitan pizza topped with fresh seafood.

Taste the delicious Calabrian pasta with chili pepper.

Finish your meal with Sicilian cannoli filled with sweet ricotta cheese.

From antipasto to dolce (dessert), restaurants in Southern Italy offer an array of colorful dishes reflecting the bounty of the land and sea—each bite brimming with freshness!

Don Alfonso 1890 (Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, Campania): This two-Michelin-starred restaurant, located on the Sorrentine Peninsula, is known for its innovative approach to traditional Neapolitan and Mediterranean cuisine, using organic ingredients from its own farm.

Duomo (Ragusa, Sicily): Two Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Ciccio Sultano in the heart of Ragusa Ibla offers exquisite Sicilian cuisine that blends local traditions with modern techniques and presentations.

Quattro Passi (Nerano, Campania): With two Michelin stars and overlooking the Amalfi Coast, Quattro Passi offers refined seafood dishes and Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing the freshness and quality of local ingredients.

The post Italy’s Restaurant Guide: Top Dining Destinations for 2024 appeared first on Cen To-Bar.

Italian recipes are both simple and yet rich in depth and variety. The birth and development of famous Italian dishes like various types of pasta (carbonara, lasagna, etc.), pizza, and risotto evolved over many years. However, Italian cuisine became truly renowned and universally cherished in the last century. This shift largely occurred after Italy unified in 1861, transitioning from regional cuisines to a singular Italian culinary identity.

In 1891, the celebrated merchant and cook Pellegrino Artusi published “Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well,” compiling 475 recipes of diverse regional dishes. This cookbook marked the first of its kind and played a pivotal role in shaping Italian cuisine as we know it today.

Of course, many other renowned figures have significantly contributed to the development of modern Italian cuisine, but today we highlight a special individual. This famous chef, rightfully considered the father of modern Italian cuisine, has made it famous worldwide.

The chef’s name is Gualtiero Marchesi.
Marchesi was born into a family of hoteliers and restaurateurs in Milan, from San Zenone al Po (Pavia). He began his professional training in Switzerland between 1948-1950, and upon returning to Italy, worked for several years in his family’s hotel before further specializing in Paris.

During this period, he worked at significant French restaurants such as “Ledoyen” in Paris, “Le Chapeau Rouge” in Dijon, and the Troisgros brothers’ restaurant in Roanne. Marchesi spent 7 months at Troisgros, by which time he was 38 years old. As the Master himself said, “Here, I learned the clear technique of cooking. It was a lesson in simplicity and precision that has stayed with me forever.”

Upon returning to Italy, Gualtiero Marchesi opened his first restaurant in Milan in 1977, which quickly gained popularity and received its first Michelin star in 1978. In 1986, Marchesi became the first Italian chef to earn three Michelin stars for his restaurant.

Throughout his career, Gualtiero Marchesi opened various restaurants, including a café atop the Duomo in Milan, a restaurant at the Halkin Hotel in London, Il Marchesino at the famous La Scala theater in Milan, Gualtiero Marchesi per il Lotti in Paris, and l’Hostaria dell’Orso in Rome (both of the latter receiving Michelin stars within a year of opening), among others. Notably, beyond his restaurant ventures, Marchesi actively promoted Italian cuisine worldwide.

Marchesi received numerous accolades and awards for his professional achievements. These include the international “Personnalité de l’année” award in gastronomy (becoming the first Italian to receive this award), the Artusi Prize, the Gold Medal of the Italian Ministry of Tourism, and many others. He was also honored with knighthood and commander orders in Italy. Marchesi nurtured a generation of exceptionally talented chefs known both in Italy and internationally: Carlo Cracco, Paolo Lopriore, Pietro Leemann, Ernst Knam, Lucia Pavin, Davide Oldani, Andrea Berton, Riccardo Camanini, Alessandro Breda, and many others.

Undoubtedly, Marchesi created many significant dishes. One of the most famous is “Rice, Gold, and Saffron” (Riso, oro e zafferano) — a perfect saffron risotto served in a round dish with a thin square gold leaf at its center. Here, impeccable cooking technique meets artistic inspiration.

Another dish worth mentioning is the “Open Raviolo” (Raviolo Aperto). Two sheets of egg pasta, one green and the other light with a parsley leaf inside, sandwich several scallops.

Jackson Pollock’s paintings inspired Marchesi to create the “Dripping Fish” (Dripping di Pesce), where instead of traditional ingredients, he explored new artistic expressions in culinary form.

One of the most important insights carried throughout his life by the great master is the close connection between cuisine and culture. One of his famous quotes states, “Cuisine in itself is a science, and it is up to the chef to turn it into an art.” This value is something the “ALMA” school continues to impart to its students. Students deeply study the history and culture of Italian cuisine to become not just skilled chefs but “thinking chefs” as envisioned by the great master of Italian cuisine, Gualtiero Marchesi.

In a modern twist, the legacy of culinary excellence can also be appreciated in the digital era, where online platforms offer a blend of tradition and innovation. For instance, the thrill of culinary discovery is paralleled in the excitement of exploring online casinos like 22bet, where the spirit of Italy’s culinary mastery can be celebrated in a contemporary and engaging format.

The post Do you know the name of the “father” of modern Italian cuisine? appeared first on Cen To-Bar.

The Art of Pairing: Why It Matters

The art of pairing wine with food is about more than just complementary flavors. It’s about creating an experience, a memorable journey through the world of taste. When you pair the right wine with your meal, it’s like finding the missing puzzle piece that completes the picture.

Have you ever sipped a bold Chianti with a slice of pizza and felt the flavors intertwine in perfect harmony? Or indulge in delicate seafood pasta accompanied by a crisp Pinot Grigio? If not, you’re in for a delightful revelation.

White Wine Wonders

Let’s start our journey with the delicate and refreshing world of Italian white wines. These wines are like a breath of fresh air, perfectly suited for lighter dishes and seafood specialties.

Pinot Grigio: The All-Rounder

Pinot Grigio is the quintessential Italian white wine, known for its versatility. It’s like that reliable friend who can adapt to any situation. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of bruschetta, a caprese salad, or a seafood risotto, Pinot Grigio always has your back.

Gavi: A Seafood Lover’s Dream

If you’re a fan of seafood, Gavi should be your new best friend. This Italian white wine hails from the Piedmont region and has a crispness that pairs perfectly with the delicate flavors of seafood pasta, grilled shrimp, or seafood risotto.

Red Wine Revelations

Now, let’s move on to the bold and robust world of Italian red wines. These wines are the perfect companions for heartier Italian classics like lasagna, pizza, and hearty meat dishes.

Chianti: The Ultimate Pizza Partner

Chianti, with its fruity and slightly spicy notes, is like the best friend of your favorite slice of pizza. It’s the one that understands the cheesy, savory goodness of a well-made Margherita or a classic pepperoni pizza.

Barolo: The King of Reds

Barolo, often referred to as the “king of wines,” is a powerhouse of flavors. This red wine from Piedmont is a match made in heaven for hearty dishes like wild mushroom risotto, rich beef stew, or a beautifully layered lasagna.

Sweet Endings: Dessert Wines

Let’s not forget the sweet endings of our Italian culinary journey. Italian dessert wines are crafted to complement the sweet indulgence of tiramisu, panna cotta, and other delectable treats.

Moscato d’Asti: Dolce Perfection

Moscato d’Asti is like a sweet, gentle caress on your palate. It’s the perfect partner for sweet and creamy desserts like tiramisu or panna cotta. Its delicate bubbles and fruity notes create a harmonious balance.

Vin Santo: A Biscotti’s Best Friend

For those moments when you’re dipping biscotti into Vin Santo, you’re embracing a tradition that dates back centuries. This sweet wine from Tuscany elevates the experience of savoring these crunchy delights.

Regional Pairings: A Taste of Italy

Italy is a land of diverse regions, each with its culinary specialties. Let’s take a journey through Italy, exploring wine pairings specific to different regions.

Tuscany: Sangiovese and Tuscan Cuisine

Tuscany, with its rolling hills and rustic dishes, is the perfect setting for Sangiovese. This red wine thrives alongside Tuscan classics like wild boar stew, hearty ribollita, and rich pasta dishes.

Sicily: Nero d’Avola and Southern Comfort

Sicily’s vibrant and bold flavors find a fitting companion in Nero d’Avola. This red wine harmonizes beautifully with Sicilian dishes like arancini, eggplant Parmigiana, and hearty pasta with sardines.

A Toast to Tradition

Italian wine and food have a rich history. They’ve evolved over the centuries, blending tradition and innovation to create the culinary landscape we know today. It’s a story worth toasting to.

The Joy of Experimentation

Don’t be afraid to unleash your inner sommelier and experiment with wine pairings. It’s like being an artist with a palette of flavors. Try new combinations, and you might discover something extraordinary.

Beyond the Classics

While we’ve explored classic Italian dishes, modern Italian cuisine is ever-evolving. New dishes, new ingredients, and new wine pairings are constantly emerging. Embrace the dynamic world of Italian cuisine.

Sustainable Sips: Eco-Friendly Italian Wines

Sustainability is a growing trend in winemaking. Learn about how Italian winemakers are adopting eco-friendly practices, from organic vineyards to biodynamic farming. Discover which wines to look for if you want to sip sustainably.

Celebrate with Italian Wine

Special occasions call for something extraordinary. Learn how to select the perfect Italian wine to make your celebrations even more memorable. From birthdays to anniversaries, there’s a bottle for every moment.

Wine and Beyond: A Culinary Adventure

Italian wine is not just a beverage; it’s an experience, a journey, and a passion. As you explore the world of Italian wine and its perfect pairings, you’re embarking on a culinary adventure that knows no bounds.

The post Bottling the Best: Italian Wine Pairings for Classic Italian Dishes appeared first on Cen To-Bar.

The Italian Culinary Adventure

Discovering the Essence of Italian Dining

Italian cuisine is a symphony of flavors, and it’s so much more than just pasta and pizza. It’s about tradition, family, and the love for good food. Italians have mastered the art of transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. So, what sets Italian cuisine apart from the rest of the world?

Italian cooking is all about using the freshest and finest ingredients to create dishes that are a reflection of their rich history. It’s about bringing people together, sharing meals, and creating memories.

The Italian Menu Deconstructed

Before you move on to cricket betting sites in India, let’s break down the Italian menu. It’s like a story that unfolds with each course.

Antipasti: The Perfect Start

Start your culinary journey with antipasti. These are appetizers that tingle your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From bruschetta to prosciutto-wrapped melon, these bite-sized delights set the stage for the following feast.

Pasta, Pizza, and Beyond: Main Courses That Dazzle

Now, it’s time for the main act. Pasta lovers, get ready to be amazed. From creamy fettuccine Alfredo to the simplicity of spaghetti aglio e olio, the choices are endless. And let’s not forget about the glorious pizzas topped with fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection in wood-fired ovens.

Dolce and Coffee: Ending on a Sweet Note

No Italian meal is complete without a sweet ending. Tiramisu, cannoli, and gelato are just a few examples of the delightful desserts that Italy offers. Pair them with a strong espresso, and you’ll be in dessert heaven.

Game Day Delights

The Ultimate Sports Bar Experience

What’s better than watching your favorite team play? Watching them play at a sports bar that’s as passionate about your team as you are! But what makes a sports bar truly memorable?

Finding the Perfect Sports Bar

Look for a sports bar that not only serves delicious Italian dishes but also has an atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of the game. A big-screen TV, a lively crowd, and a menu featuring Italian beers and cocktails can turn an ordinary game night into an unforgettable experience.

Italian Beers and Cocktails

While beer and cocktails are popular choices in sports bars, why not try something Italian? Sip on a refreshing Aperol Spritz, a classic Negroni, or even a Peroni beer. These drinks perfectly complement the Italian flavors you’re savoring.

Game-Day Snacks with an Italian Twist

Don’t settle for regular sports bar snacks. Order Italian-inspired appetizers like arancini, fried mozzarella, or a loaded charcuterie board. These snacks will keep your taste buds entertained throughout the game.

Dining with Champions

Where Athletes Dine in Italy

When your favorite athletes travel to Italy, have you ever wondered where they eat? It’s not always the posh eateries with Michelin stars. A lot of athletes, such as basketball stars and soccer legends, have a fondness for the straightforward, real Italian food served in neighborhood trattorias. 

Stories of Athletes and Their Favorite Italian Dishes

Some athletes even have favorite dishes that they swear by. Cristiano Ronaldo loves spaghetti carbonara, while LeBron James can’t resist a good Margherita pizza. It’s heartwarming to see that these sports icons, despite their fame and fortune, enjoy the same dishes that have been comforting Italian families for generations.

The Significance of Sharing a Meal

Eating meals together is a worldwide sign of community. Similar to fans, athletes find comfort in the comforting flavors of Italian food. It serves as a reminder that, despite our differences and backgrounds, people can always find something in common over dinner.

Mastering Italian Dining at Home

Bringing the Italian Experience to Your Kitchen

You don’t have to be in Italy to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. You can recreate the magic in your kitchen.

Essential Italian Ingredients

You’ll need some essential Italian ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and quality pasta. These are the building blocks of Italian dishes.

A Recipe for a Classic Italian Dish

Let’s keep it simple. How about making a classic Spaghetti Carbonara? It’s a dish that’s both uncomplicated and divine. We’ll guide you through the process, step by step.

Pairing Wine with Your Homemade Italian Meal

To take your at-home Italian dining experience to the next level, pair your homemade meal with the perfect Italian wine. We’ll provide some expert recommendations to ensure your meal is a hit.

Conclusion

In the end, sports, sips, and spaghetti make for a winning combination. Whether you’re enjoying a game at a sports bar, sharing a meal with your favorite athletes, or mastering Italian cooking at home, the connection between sports and Italian dining is undeniable. So, as a sports fan, why not embrace the culinary world of Italy? It’s a journey that promises not only to satisfy your taste buds but also to enhance your sports-watching experience. Buon appetito!

The post Sports, Sips, and Spaghetti: A Sports Fan’s Guide to Italian Dining appeared first on Cen To-Bar.

The classification will be carried out according to several parameters.

According to the format of work. It can be: a cafe, a restaurant or a bar, a restaurant, it can also be a variation of fast food and a restaurant, or an establishment of an expensive segment. It is important to clearly choose the concept of work, since the costs of starting a business will depend on its choice, which you will calculate when drawing up a restaurant business plan.Kitchen type. This is the second step. Here the choice is wide and it is the choice of menu type of cuisine that can distinguish you from competitors. The most popular are: Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Italian, Japanese or French cuisine. There are entrepreneurs who are looking towards more exotic cuisine, such as exclusively seafood dishes or vegan restaurants. But when choosing a narrow niche, you significantly reduce the number of target audience that will visit your restaurant.Number of guests received. Usually, newcomers open restaurants for up to 50 guests, and the most popular format is establishments for up to 30 guests, since it is easier to find a room for such a number of visitors.

price segment

Here you have to decide on the price tags for the dishes in your establishment. Here the rule works, the closer the restaurant is located to the center and the cooler the repair is, the higher the price tag will be. There are exceptions and a fashionable restaurant can be located on the outskirts, for example, with a beautiful view of a lake or a river.Here you can summarize, and give advice to beginners. It is better to open all formats of restaurant cafes with about 30-40 seats in the middle and low price segments. The type of cuisine should be chosen based on the audience that is located nearby or after analyzing the market of competitors.

By choosing this format, you will minimize the risks as much as possible and will be able to attract visitors in any case. If we consider fashionable restaurants, then there customers are very demanding and investments in business are simply huge, and during a crisis this is especially irrelevant.

For a beginner, the most important thing is to learn how to manage a small restaurant and bring it to a profit, after that you can take on larger projects and attract investments from outside, but experience is a must have in this business idea.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A few more little tipsThe format of a restaurant often depends on where you want to open it. For example, if many foreigners of the same nationality live in your region, then you can safely open a restaurant with a focus on their national cuisine.

In the regions, establishments in folk, Russian, Ukrainian or other styles are often popular. Beautiful interior design can attract many visitors, namely the color of the institution will create a suitable atmosphere for you.

Also in the cities, a mixture of restaurants and fast foods are quite popular. In such establishments, employees of business centers often dine, and many other people passing by. Plus, such establishments allow you to build a “democratic pricing policy”, in connection with the preparation of most of the dishes on the principle of ordinary fast food, the same pancakes, hamburgers or pizza.

Location and premises

After you have chosen the format of the future institution and decided in which area you will open it with a clear focus on potential consumers, then you should take up the careful selection of the place. You, for sure, understand that the successful location of such an institution can play a very important role in the success of your business. Look for places with high traffic, convenient access and parking spaces. At the same time, you still need to focus on competitors. In a big city, finding a room will be difficult, but still possible. Communications must be connected to the building: sewerage, water supply, heating, exhaust, etc. On average, the area of a small restaurant is about 100 – 250 sq.m.

The next step on your journey will be redesigning the layout. Try to create maximum comfort, that is, the room should be segmented into places for several people. When planning, leave space for the kitchen, and there should be a lot of it so that the staff can work comfortably. There are many rules that describe the requirements for restaurants, so even at the design stage, it is worth seeking advice from an experienced architect. This will save you money in the future.

The post How to open a restaurant from scratch appeared first on Cen To-Bar.

Electronic Menus

Most casinos and bars are transitioning to electronic menus. This provides customers with the opportunity to quickly view the menu, get detailed information about drinks and dishes, and place an order without summoning a waiter. With interactive features, clients can view images of dishes, read reviews, and even share their impressions on social networks.

Interactive gaming tables and machines

Modern technologies make it possible to turn ordinary tables and slot machines into interactive platforms. For example, touch screens can be installed on tables where clients can play digital versions of traditional board games or place bets online. Additionally, some casinos offer virtual slot machines using VR technology, providing guests with a unique gaming experience.

Mobile Apps

Today, many casinos and bars have developed their own mobile applications. They allow clients to place orders, reserve tables, track current promotions and special offers, as well as receive personal bonuses and discounts. Such applications simplify interaction with clients and help improve the quality of service.

In conclusion, it can be asserted that technologies are radically changing the face of casinos and bars, opening up new horizons for players and enhancing the degree of comfort and convenience for visitors. However, it is important to remember that technologies are just a tool, while the key role is played by the quality of service and hospitality.

Facial Recognition and Biometrics

Facial recognition and biometric technologies are also being used in the world of casinos and bars. This allows quick identification of clients, controlling access to the establishment, and ensuring safety. In casinos, such use of technology can be beneficial for automatic recognition of VIP clients and providing them with special service.

Service reimagining through automation

By integrating robot bartenders and self-service terminals, casino bars can efficiently automate service processes. This approach not only reduces service time, but also frees up staff to perform more meaningful tasks, including interacting with customers and providing personalized services.

Application of data analytics and artificial intelligence

Progressive data analytics methods and AI contribute to the optimization of casino bar operation. These technologies can analyze visitor preferences, identify the most demanded drinks and games, and predict future customer needs. This ability allows establishments to effectively adapt to customer desires.

These innovations and advanced technologies are changing the face of casino bars, making them more relevant, convenient, and attractive to visitors. It’s important to remember that the implementation of any technologies should enhance the quality of service and create a unique experience for each client.

Augmented and virtual reality

Augmented and virtual reality technologies can introduce new prospects for the casino bar sector. Customers can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a real casino while being in a bar, or experience a bar atmosphere while playing in a casino. Such technologies can also be used to create interactive menus and virtual tours of the establishment.

Interaction with social networks

In modern society, social media occupy a central place, and casino bars can use this to their advantage. Integration with social media can help attract new customers, strengthen brand recognition, and improve communication with clients. Customers can share their experiences, photos, and reviews, thereby attracting new visitors.

Electronic payments and cryptocurrencies

With the emergence of new payment technologies, casino bars can offer customers more convenient and secure payment methods. Options may include contactless payments, mobile payments, and even cryptocurrency payments. This simplifies the payment process for clients, and also helps casino bars to attract new audiences.

Technologies continue to transform the casino bar industry, changing not only the ways of interacting with customers but also the gaming process. If properly applied, they can make casino bars even more attractive, offering a unique and innovative experience. But in order to play online casino we advise to start with a minimum deposit – minimum deposit casino in brazil.

Application of IoT (Internet of Things)

With the help of the Internet of Things, casino bars can create a more individualized experience for their customers. For example, smart tables can automatically offer customers drinks based on their previous orders, or notify staff when cleaning is needed. Thanks to IoT, casino bars can be more responsive to the needs of their customers.

Technological transformations in gaming

Modern technologies are transforming gaming possibilities within casinos. By utilizing AI, VR, and other advanced technologies, casinos are able to introduce games that are more captivating and realistic. From virtual slot machines to interactive table games, these innovations add more appeal and exciting moments to the gaming experience.

However, it’s important to remember that all these technological solutions should be implemented considering the needs and preferences of customers. The deployment of these technologies should be accompanied by staff training to ensure smooth and positive customer interaction with new technologies. Only in this case can innovations bring real benefit and become a key component of a successful casino bar.

Thus, technological advancement does not stop, and new technologies continue to permeate all areas of our existence. Casino bars, aiming to provide high-quality service and entertainment to their clients, cannot remain on the sidelines of these transformations. Utilizing new technologies and innovations can help them attract new audience, improve service quality, and create a unique atmosphere that visitors will truly appreciate.

The post Innovative technologies in the sphere of casinos and bars: a combination of gaming and culinary experience appeared first on Cen To-Bar.

Michael Setrulo began his culinary career at the age of 13 in his parents’ kitchen. At 23, after working for a Michelin Guide, he took the courageous step of opening his own chain’s first restaurant, Il Mondo Vecchio; a little later, a second Scalini Fedeli NJ, and in 2000, Scalini Fedeli NYC. Soon, New York restaurant of Maestro Setrulo was among the best among the best establishments of Italian cuisine, and The New York Times called it the best in all New York!

Let’s warn that Scalini Fedeli is not a cheap place, so get ready to pay a lot of money. Also, you’ll look in vain for frescoes, glittering mosaics on the walls, gorgeous chandeliers, soft leather couches, or a vibrant and famous crowd.

The interior of the restaurant under the vaulted ceiling and between the columns, suggestive of a north-Italian patrimony, is designed in ultra-conservative style: soft warm colors, minimal decorations (the mirror and strategically hung pictures), a maximum of greenery at the huge windows and soft, almost home-like, furniture.

The only detail that is sure to attract attention is a special wine room, just like in the houses of wealthy Roman old-timers!

The chef emphasizes that his cuisine is Italian, but with a French flair: yet the neighborhood of the spirit of the great culinary cultures did not go in vain for each other.

A vivid example of this “culinary fusion” is a specialty from the menu of Prix Fixe ($65 – yet the restaurant is not a cheap one): tender veal medallions on spring vegetables with vodka and mascarpone sauce, with spinach and Italian square pasta cannelloni with ricotta cheese!

However, you’ll also find typical Italian dishes abounding with seafood. For example, a hit of Mediterranean restaurants – fried scallops (as the menu notes, hand-picked by divers) on asparagus, spring peas and shiitake mushrooms, with saffron sauce and mussels.

Or – for those who don’t crave shellfish – braised lucian on riceotto with lemon, oregano and roasted peppers, in a sauce with garlic and basil. And for fans of the classics – Spaghetti Arrabiata with mushrooms, black olives, ground Spanish anchovies, with a spicy tomato sauce, or ravioli with goat cheese, with a sauce of vodka and roasted beet juice, with pickled tomatoes and peppers.

The post “Scalini Fedeli” – the American success of a daring Italian chef appeared first on Cen To-Bar.

Decor: The renovated space of Café des Artistes retains its former romantic charm with a revamped front and back patio framed by brick, tile, stone and shady trees. Indoors is a place to relax and sip prosecco in a stylish, spacious California bungalow on cocoa-colored leather sofas or at the long, sleek white bar. But the real action takes place on the bustling patio, a courtyard surrounded by a brick fireplace and a spectacular glass pizza kitchen. This is a great Hollywood crowd, and they know it. Reservations are a must. And although Julia Roberts made L’Antica in Naples famous in the movie Eat, Pray, Love, you’re more likely to see her here.

Food and drink: It’s all about the pizza. Pros. The menu pays due attention to the Italian classics, but the ricotta-stuffed zucchini blossoms can be small and overcooked, while the linguine with clams, white wine and bottarga is just pedestrian. There’s a New York steak or grilled pork chop if you need to top off your bill. But, if not, the pizza itself is worthy of the destination and is a good approximation of the original Naples (we’ve been there too). Rubini adorns the thin, soft crust, well charred in the wood-fired oven. Fior di latte and pecorino margarita cheeses complement the pie in perfect proportion with a sprinkling of basil, and the aromatic tomato sauce combined with garlic creates a high-quality marinara; the spicy Montanara is fried and baked with smoked mozzarella, or luxuriously served with black truffle shavings. The pies are generous – two people can easily share one. The Italian wine list does it right, offering a pleasant Vermentino from Corsica, a strong Tuscan rosé, or more serious Brunello or Barbaresco. Together, the pizza, wine, and atmosphere create one of the most enjoyable places in Hollywood. Until Mount Vesuvius erupts again, it may not be the best pizza in the world, but it may be the best in Los Angeles.

The post Pizzeria Michele’s Antica appeared first on Cen To-Bar.

But step inside and you immediately see a crowd of diners and the maitre d”s voice: “No room. Reservations should be made a month in advance. Although, the occasional visitor can take a seat at the bar counter (if there is one) and, if you have an extra hour or two, try to wait for good luck – to cancel someone else’s reservation.

The restaurant can be divided into three sections. At the entrance is the bar, further on are the dining tables, and in the center is a vase with a giant bouquet of wondrous lilac color. Straight from the table is a staircase to the second floor, where another room is located – my favorite. There is a lantern in the ceiling and the white room shines with light during the day. On the table in the center is again a tall bouquet, something like our willow tree with thick, fluffy pompoms of buds. By the back wall are shelves of wine.

The menu, the wine list, and then the bill are served in such luxurious leather folders, as if made to order by Coach. There is an opinion that the better the restaurant, the fewer dishes on the menu. In Babo, the menu is quite representative, so it takes a lot of time to study it, especially if you are here for the first time. The second time goes much faster – according to numerous observations, having tasted any of the dishes, the client will order it as long as he will come here. He will do it out of fear of making a mistake. Every dish here is a work of culinary art.

The wine list is geographically arranged. It starts with the southern wine regions of Italy and goes north. So if you know where barola is produced and where amarone is produced, you won’t get lost.

On my last visit to Babbo, I sampled Goat Cheese Tortelloni with Dried Orange and Wild Fennel Pollen ($19), the second was Gnocchi with Braised Oxtail ($19) What is the difference between tortelloni and tortellini? I can only guess. The tortellini are rolled up pretty tightly, like our dumplings, while the tortelloni are like slices of dough with the edges barely covering all the stuffing. On mine was goat cheese, which had melted and mixed with the very same fennel pollen. The whole thing was sprinkled on top with dried tangerine shavings.

Gnocchi is one of my favorite Italian dishes. At Babbo, gnocchi is served in an oxtail sauce. This unpretentious place becomes the ultimate delicacy when handled properly. The meat crumbles into fibers, and the fat and tomato sauce is a great grease to the gnocchi.

The steak (Rib eye stake $69 – for two) arrived for appetizers. The waiter deftly sliced it diagonally, the way a steak is supposed to be sliced, revealing the juicy core to the customer. Sorry for the stamp, but the meat melted on your tongue like butter.

The post Babbo, New York appeared first on Cen To-Bar.

Babin says he had been trying for years to get someone in his company to come up with a homemade Italian menu. The problem? “It doesn’t seem challenging enough” for some chefs, the restaurateur says. He found a buyer in 39-year-old Adler, whom he brought on as a consultant in 2019 and who grew up in the very place Babin hoped to realize. It turns out that Adler’s father, also a chef, ran an Italian kitchen called Scoozi in upstate New York, where his son started washing dishes and then cooked while studying at the Culinary Institute of America. Caruso’s Bakery, Babin’s most personal statement, is named after a store opened in Baton Rouge by Babin’s Sicilian great-great-great-grandfather in 1920. The restaurateur’s uncle and grandmother took over the business the following decade;

Chef Matt Adler. (Scott Suchman/for The Washington Post)
It’s a striking restaurant at first glance, decorated with marinara-colored banquettes and, in keeping with the “grocery” theme, high shelves are lined with bottles of wine and more.

One thing Babin and Adler noticed during their research trips to Philadelphia and New York before the pandemic was the strategically placed bar in some of their favorite restaurants. Customers at Caruso’s stroll in to find a small watering hole to the right of the host stand and a drink list that makes some of us wipe our eyes at the sight of the coveted $10 cocktails. The drinks, created by NRG’s head of liquor, Nick Farrell, are also good to the last drop. “The Godfather Manhattan, garnished with amaretto, is, like most of the drinks here, an improved version of its previous self. The original Godfather, based on scotch, became popular when the Godfather debuted. On a hot day, a margarita filled with red orange puree and sweetened with homemade orange cello is the most refreshing.

Guests in the dining room look up to see black-and-white photographs in family albums, many of them of the Babin family, some from the Internet. One of the few nods to modernity is the semi-open kitchen, where the sizzle of hot pans sometimes breaks through the background music and Adler inspects the plates before they come out.

The post Caruso’s Grocery – the old Italian restaurant of your dreams appeared first on Cen To-Bar.