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Monday, November 7, 2011

11/8 - A Taste of Piemonte at Il Fornaio

Chef Carlo Orchetti
Il Fornaio, San Jose


A native of Piemonte, Carlo Ochetti was born in the small town of Intra, just north of the city Verbania, where he discovered his passion for cooking at an early age. As a child he would spend every Sunday helping his mamma Silvana in the kitchen. After studying Italian and French cuisine at Stresa Scuola Alberghiera in Verbania, he moved to the United States to put his culinary talents to use. Carlo started with Il Fornaio last year and is delighted to collaborate with Executive Chef Maurizio Mazzon on the Festa menu.

"Maurizio and I share a similar philosophy when it comes to food," remarked Carlo. "We believe that the best dish is the one that is made with the freshest seasonal ingredients available." This month's menu takes advantage of a seasonal ingredient that is uniquely Piemontese: white truffles.

"I love cooking with white truffles. It is a challenge to fully express the unique flavor of this delicate ingredient in each dish without overwhelming. Also, truffles truly remind me of home," adds Carlo.

Combining fond memories of his childhood and his passion for authentic flavor, Carlo, along with Maurizio, has crafted a menu that presents the food of Piemonte in a way only a native could. Carlo is proud to celebrate the food and wine of Piemonte with tonight's menu and share a taste of his home with you.

Buon Appetito!


David Fera and Carlo inside San Jose Il Fornaio
 David Fera
General Manager
Il Fornaio, San Jose

David has been with Il Fornaio for 20 years and General Manager in San Jose for 10.  He shares his extensive knowledge of Italian and US wines with us with some in depth details on the Piedmonte wines and pairings. 






About Piemonte
Piemonte (p'yeh-MOHNT-eh)
Piemonte is tucked away in the northwest corner of Italy and is bordered by the Alps, France, Liguria and Lombardia. This wild, rugged landscape has produced two distinct styles of cooking. One is found in many of the larger cities and areas of lower altitude and depends on the outside influences of Lombardia to the east and France to the west. As you climb into mountain territory, however, you find something quite different, often considered to be the "native" cuisine. It is here you will find ingredients particular to the region and the heartier fare that provides sustenance to those who live and work at energy-burning altitudes.

Perhaps the most exclusive and recognized ingredient of Piemontese cooking is the white truffle. It is the signature note in fonduta, the region's cheese fondue specialty. On this evening's menu, you will find Agnolotti di Fonduta ai Porcini, housemade ravioli filled with fontina cheese and accented with white truffle oil. It is the perfect pasta for chilly winter weather.

Other dishes whose ingredients are dictated by the geography of the region are risotto and polenta.The Po valley is "rice country," and Piemonte produces more rice than any other Italian region. The rice produced in Piemonte is considered by some to be the best in the world. It is the star ingredient of Risotto con Porcini e Gamberetti, risotto with shrimp, porcini mushrooms, shallots and a touch of cream.
While Piemonte is known throughout the world for many of its classic dishes, it is also considered to be one of the best wine-growing regions in Italy. Perhaps the most famous, Barolo is known as the "King of ItalianWines." It is rich and full-bodied, the ideal companion for many of the region's heartiest dishes. Barolo and Barbaresco are both highly regarded reds that enhance any experience involving the foods of Piemonte.

Lisa Riedel
Regional GM, Sainte Claire Hotel, San Jose

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