From Publishers Weekly
Tramonto, four-star chef, partner in five Chicago-based restaurants, including the highly acclaimed Tru, and author of Amuse Bouche, presents a tasty look at the Italian version of tapas—small bites and little plates that serve as appetizers and entire meals. Easy-to-prepare dishes with mouth-watering photographs whet the appetite and are perfect for entertaining. Tramonto covers all the bases with chapters on crudo, bruschetta, crostini, panini, antipasti and more. Recipes such as Grilled Shrimp Wrapped in Pancetta with Lemon Aioli offer a classic preparation as well as a shortcut using prepared mayonnaise. Mini Veal Meatballs with Caramelized Onions and Crostini with Chopped Egg and Asparagus provide a new twist to some old favorites. Tramonto also highlights traditional Italian dishes such as Creamy Soft Polenta with Meat Ragu and Rick's Basic Bruschetta. The chapter on cheese offers tantalizing alternatives to dessert, such as Gorgonzola Dolce with Roasted Pears and Spiced Walnuts. Full-color photos. (Nov.)
Review
“FANTASTICO!, the new book by Rick Tramonto, is truly delightful. With simple recipes for small bites and little plates, Rick unfurls some of the best and tastiest of Italian recipes. This is a book that will have you salivating before you start cooking.”
— Lidia Bastianich, chef and author of Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen
“Small plates is how I love to eat—after all, I grew up eating Chinese dim sum. Rick’s recipes remind me of dim sum, with their focus on flavors and comfort. Dim sum means “to touch the heart” and this cookbook, filled with great recipes and stories, will do just that.”
Ming Tsai, chef and owner of Blue Ginger, host of Simply Ming
“Rick is one of my favorite chefs, and when I need a great Italian fix and can’t make it to Italy, his osteria in Chicago is a favorite stop. There, I enjoy the crudo, crostini, his pastas, and antipasti. Sitting at a table crowded with small plates of beautiful food and wine with friends is such a perfect way to spend an evening. Rick’s dishes are simple but all possess brilliant flavors and a striking authenticity. How wonderful that he now has a whole book filled with these recipes!”
— Barbara Lynch, chef and owner of No. 9 Park, B&G Oysters, The Butcher Shop
“Rick Tramonto’s ability to reinterpret the classic Italian table in the American vernacular is nothing short of Olympian! The integrity of these small plates evokes the true soul of Italy and inspires me to cook them at home for my family. FANTASTICO! is truly magnifico!”
— Mario Batali
