Author: Phil Torre

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    Sole Francese

    Sole Francese was a constant on my dad’s menu and has always been a popular Italian-American favorite. Who can resist a golden egg-battered fillet smothered in a lemon butter wine sauce? The majority of the recipes here on ItalianChef.com were on the menu at my father’s restaurant or came from him when he was still…

  • Chicken Cacciatore

    The trend in Italian restaurants today to be new and innovative has unfortunately forced some excellent traditional dishes such as Chicken Cacciatore off the menus. This is a shame, because if you ask me, great food should never go out of style. Chicken Cacciatore, which translates to “hunter’s chicken,” is a rustic Italian dish that…

  • Chicken Piccata

    Chicken Piccata is one of those Italian-American classics that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make a delicious meal. Thin chicken cutlets, a bright lemon-butter sauce, briny capers, and a splash of white wine, that’s it. This was a staple at my Dad’s restaurant and it’s still one of my go-to weeknight…

  • Chicken Scarpariello

    The aroma of this dish takes me back to my days waiting tables at my Dad’s restaurant. Whenever I carried Chicken Scarpariello across the dining room, the lemon-garlic scent never failed to make me hungry. This is his recipe, the one I grew up with, and it’s all about that bright, garlicky pan sauce. This…

  • Almond Biscotti

    Crisp, nutty, and perfect for dunking. This Italian classic belongs in your cookie jar. These almond biscotti strike the perfect balance between traditional Italian crispness and American tenderness. After testing various butter amounts, I’ve landed on a half-stick, just enough to create a biscotti that’s satisfyingly crunchy on the outside while maintaining a pleasant bite…

  • Chocolate Zabaglione

    Part mousse, part custard, all romance. This is the Valentine’s dessert your date will actually remember. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I wanted to make a special dessert so I decided on a twist on an Italian classic, Zabaglione. Zabaglione is a traditional Italian custard made by whipping Marsala wine with sugar…

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    Linguine Frutti Di Mare (Seafood Linguine)

    If you are looking for a show stopping main course for your Christmas Eve Feast of  the Seven Fishes Dinner, or any special occasion, look no further. This selection of fresh seafood in a delicious, light tomato sauce served over linguine will please any seafood lover. This classic Italian seafood pasta brings together the best…

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    Insalata Frutta di Mare

    This refreshing Italian Seafood Salad (Insalata Frutta di Mare) features tender calamari, shrimp, and scungilli tossed in a bright lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s a classic antipasto that lets the quality of the seafood shine through with minimal fuss. The simple dressing of fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and parsley enhances the…