Home Page

Autobiography / Biography   Travel / Places   Cooking / Food   Fashion / Health / Beauty   Other / General / Self-Help   Crafts / Home Improvement   Humor

Trattoria Grappolo - Simple Recipes for Traditional Italian Cuisine
by Leonardo Curti and James O. Fraioli
Gibbs-Smith, Publisher
ISBN 1-4236-0215-3
Published August 2007 - Hardcover - 224 pages - $29.95

Is there any food nicer than fresh Italian fare served in a convivial Italian restaurant?  Even if the restaurant is in Santa Ynez, California?  I don't think so.  What about all that wine in the surrounding area?  The Italian-born Curti brothers have such a restaurant - Trattoria Grappolo - and in this book they offer wine pairings to most of the dishes as well as a list of local wineries to make a note of.  On offer in this book are: Fresh Antipasti, Salads & Soups; House-baked Breads & Pizzas; Handcrafted Pastries; Entrée Specials &Seafood Delights, and Decadent Desserts.  Trattoria Grappolo attracts many people, including celebrities who escape from Los Angeles.  Recipes include: Zuppa di Lenticchie; Melanzane alla Parmigiana; Ravioli di Pesce (sounds scrummy); Saltimbocca di Sorrento (oh my goodness!); Sogliole con Limone e Capperi (one of my favorite dishes), and Torta di Gianduia con Salsa di Lamponi.  Most recipes appear to be able to be made at home without having to restock your pantry, and what a splash you'd make at your next dinner party by serving any one of these dishes.  This is truly a taste of Italy.
Beautifully illustrated.  No nutritional guides.
Conclusion - Loved the recipes and the "homey-ness" of the restaurant.