Corvina a la Chorrillana FISH STEAKS IN TOMATO AND CHILI SAUCE To serve 6 3 tablespoons Annatto oil 2 large onions, thinly sliced 3 large tomatoes, peeled and cut into ¼ -inch slices, or substitute 1 1/2 cups chopped, drained, canned Italian plum tomatoes 2 fresh hot red or green chilies, each about 3 1/2 inches long, seeded, de-ribbed and cut lengthwise into 1/8 -inch strips 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 pounds Corvina or Sea Bass, cut into 1/2-inch steaks, or substitute any other firm white fish Fresh Cilantro to garnish In a heavy 4-quart flameproof casserole, heat 1 tablespoon Read more [...]

Chile Amarillo Molido con Aceite   YELLOW CHILI PASTE To make about 2/3 cup 24 fresh yellow guero chilies, each about 3 to 4 inches long, or substitute other fresh, mild, yellow chilies like Hungarian Wax 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar 1 tablespoon salt In a heavy 4- to 5-quart saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil over high heat. Drop in the chilies and boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes, then drain them thoroughly and run cold water over them. Split the chilies in half and remove the seeds. Combine the chilies, oil, vinegar and salt in the jar of a blender, and blend them at high speed until the mixture is reduced to a smooth, thick puree. (To make the sauce by hand, Read more [...]

Aji Molido con Aceite RED CHILI PASTE   To make about 2 cups 1 cup tightly packed dried hontaka chilies 2 cups boiling water 6 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup boiling beef or chicken stock, fresh or canned, or boiling water Break the dried chilies in half and brush out the seeds. Place the chilies in a bowl, pour 2 cups of boiling water over them, and let them soak for 2 hours. Drain the chilies and discard the soaking water Combine the chilies, oil, garlic, salt and boiling stock or water in the jar of a blender and puree at high speed for 1 minute, or until the mixture is reduced to a smooth puree. Scrape into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. (To Read more [...]

Pursuing Perfect Pizza - one bite at a time. We usually steer clear of any snobbery in regard to Food and Wine, hence our choice of "Chabernet" as our mast head. If there is an exception to our rule, it would be Italian Thin Crust Pizza. This single dish might qualify as a Perfect Bite; perfection in a mouthful! Neapolitan pizza (pizza napoletana) consists of crust made from high protein flour, San Marzano tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil of Mt Vesuvius, Fresh Mozzarella cheese (from cows or water buffalo), then baked at high heat in a wood-fired oven. What an awesome Food Memory - The crunch, then the chew, of the yeasty crust with its touch of char followed by the creamy, salty cheese and the sharp acid of the tomatoes. Join us in a photo Read more [...]

Our favorite destination for seafood is Italy. Sure, anywhere in the Mediterranean is great. You have to love the fresh fish in Hawaii, right? And then there is Asia where seafood has been raised to the level of Art. So, why is it that Italy resonates with our tastes? Pairing with local wines is certainly one reason. Another is the simplicity of preparation: freshest product, the very best ingredients, and a few simple herbs and spices. Garlic and Olive Oil play central roles as they also do in Greece, Spain, and France. Take a look at some of our food memories below and decide if the dishes inspire you to travel to Italy. Read more [...]