Here Comes Great Chefs Event 2012

By Hashtag on May 04 2012 Posted in: Vetri Foundation, Video, 0 comments

While last year was a fantastic event, this year is shaping up to be even better! Help us raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand and Vetri Foundation on June 12th. 

Tags: vetri foundation, great chefs event, Alex's lemonade stand, june 12 2012

Philly Weekly: Alla Spina Successfully Marries Italy, Bar Snacks & Craft Beer

By Hashtag on May 11 2012 Posted in: Alla Spina, Press, Video, 0 comments

Writes Leah Blewett in a recent Philadelphia Weekly review of Alla Spina:

"[Chef Damon] Menapace brines, then fries the bony little buggers, rendering the considerable fat succulent and the strands of meat both crisp and redolent with piggy goodness—think crunchy bacon and fatty pork belly, twisted together around a bone not unlike a chicken wing. Awash in fennel agrodolce and topped with the filmiest hint of fennel fronds, they are best eaten with your fingers, a lip-smacking treat that manages to be at once sweet, sour, salty and rich. It would be safe to call them the most crave-able plate I’ve encountered in the city this year."

Tags: philadelphia weekly, Alla Spina, damon menapace, pig tails, pig

Eater.com: Featured Pizzaiolo Jeff Michaud

By Hashtag on May 11 2012 Posted in: Osteria, Pizza Making, Video, 0 comments

In a feature for "Pizza Week," Chef Jeff Michaud discusses the process behind the pizzamaking at Osteria. While you're over on Eater.com, be sure to vote for Osteria for Best Pizza!!

And enjoy the pizzamaking video from our archives. We have a whole series of them over on YouTube.

Tags: pizza, osteria, eater.com, philadelphia, pizza making

City Paper: Deep-fried, Ale-soaked Alla Spina

By Hashtag on May 11 2012 Posted in: Alla Spina, Press, 0 comments

If there is only one reason why Adam Erace's recent review of Alla Spina will prove you have to check the place out, it's this:

"Alla Spina, where the cooks hoot like hillbillies on the Fourth of July..."

He goes on:

"Smothered with the promised Bolognese (made with guinea hen), that poutine would make even the most traditional Quebec lumberjack's knees buckle, and Vetri was not kidding about the fries. Cutting the canola fryer oil with rendered beef fat (a la the Dandelion) gave the golden-brown batons a round, satisfying meatiness." 

 

Tags: city paper, Alla Spina, new, review

Craig Laban - Italian Beer Making a Splash

By Hashtag on May 11 2012 Posted in: Alla Spina, Press, Video, 0 comments

While Italians have loved wine for centuries, their adoption of craft brewing is in its infancy. The Inquirer's Craig Laban writes that these beers aren't just the super-hoppy beers we've come to expect from American craft brewers. These beers have subtlety.

"You can drink these throughout a meal. And you’re a little more likely with Italian beers to find an ‘Ah-hah!’ pairing than with [hops-centric] U.S. or German beers,” says beverage manager Steve Wildy. 

Tags: craig laban, Alla Spina, philadelphia inquirer, craft beers, steve wildy, italian craft beer, craft beer

Grub Street & CBS: Latvian Students Sample Eatiquette

By Hashtag on May 02 2012 Posted in: Vetri Foundation, Eatiquette , Vetri, Osteria, Alla Spina, Amis, Press, 0 comments

Excerpt from philadelphia.cbslocal.com story by Paul Kurtz:

"Students at a North Philadelphia charter school were breaking bread today with 12 students from Latvia.

The National Constitution Center arranged this “meet, greet, and eat” at the People for People Charter School through a collaboration with acclaimed chef Marc Vetri, whose foundation feeds the students five days a week.

André Williams, the school’s director of operations, says Vetri’s “Eatiquette” initiative tosses aside the school assembly line lunch in favor of a family style setting."

Excerpt from philadelphia.grubstreet.com story:

"Marc Vetri’s Eatiquette, a program the chef developed that revolutionizes school lunches, is possibly one of the very few good things happening in Philly schools right now. And sadly, as the School District of Philadelphia continues its downhill skid toward certain doom, only two area schools, both of which are charter schools, have adopted the Vetri approach to cafeteria operations."

Read the articles:

philadelphia.cbslocal.com

philadelphia.grubstreet.com

 

Tags: marc vetri, Grubstreet, eatiquette, people for people charter school, national constitution center

Cigar Aficionado: Conducting a Culinary Symphony

By Hashtag on Apr 26 2012 Posted in: Vetri, Osteria, Alla Spina, Amis, Press, 0 comments

In a recent interview with Alejandro Benes of Cigar Aficionado magazine, Marc dishes on his upbringing in Philadelphia, living in California and Italy and the cigars he's been enjoying lately — including Philadelphia's own Ashton cigars. Read the entire article here. 

Tags: vetri, marc vetri, osteria, amis, Alla Spina, philadelphia, cigar aficionado, cigars, ashton

Daily News: Alla Spina goes beyond traditional Italian restaurants

By Hashtag on Apr 13 2012 Posted in: Alla Spina, Press, 0 comments

"Traditional." 

"Authentic."  

"There are too damn many Italian restaurants in this city. Whenever I hear that a new trattoria or ristorante is about to open, the question immediately springs to mind: Does Philadelphia really need another Italian place?" writes the Daily News' Jason Wilson in a recent column.

Then, the answer to his rhetorical question (in the form of more rhetorical questions): How many fancy Italian places put a hot dog (made here of mortadella) or a hoagie (made with veal breast) or French Canadian poutine (french fries topped here with Italian-inflected guinea hen Bolognese and mozzarella curd) alongside the traditional lasagna? How many authentic spots serve deviled eggs (here with porcini mushrooms) or pig pot pie or housemade pretzels?

We can think of at least one spot. 

Tags: italian, philly.com, philadelphia, best italian, italian beer bar, restaurants, traditional, authentic, daily news, jason wilson

Video: New iPad Wireless WineList at Osteria

By Hashtag on Apr 10 2012 Posted in: Osteria, Video, 0 comments

At Osteria, we have recently implemented a new ordering system for beverages (see what Drink Philly wrote about the new system). Tiare Technology's Wireless WineList™ application allows Osteria guests to easily view and order wines using a wireless Apple iPad tablet and Tiare's proprietary software. Guests can use the tablets to browse the wine list discovering the breadth of wines offered. They can also quickly sort the wines to display by region, varietal, price range or other categories, or click to search the list and pinpoint a specific selection.

The system displays extensive information about Osteria's extraordinary Italian wine offerings, including tasting notes, vintage information, and background on the winery, the region and grape varietals. Photos, wine labels and other information are also displayed.

"We chose to implement the Wireless WineList solution at Osteria for its ability to elevate our wine program by offering information to our guests beyond what can be communicated on a traditional paper menu," said Jeff Benjamin. He continued, "We take great pride in providing our guests with Italian wine offerings that will perfectly complement our cuisine. This system allows our guests greater insight to what makes these wines unique."

Benjamin added, "The Wireless WineList solution was the only choice for our restaurant. Tiare is a company that recognizes the importance of maintaining the quality of the guest experience while providing a tool that communicates the care taken in crafting our wine program. It is a very exciting addition to our restaurant."

Tiare's Wireless WineList system is designed to meet the needs of both the wine expert and the wine novice. Oenophiles value the ability to pinpoint a specific wine while casual users can learn about Osteria's extensive offerings at their leisure, without the worry of intimidation. Not just for featuring wine, the Tiare Technology system also provides Osteria diners information about the restaurant's selection of specialty Italian beer, hand-crafted cocktails and rare grappa.

The system is intended to enhance, rather than replace, the personal attention already provided by the professional staff at Osteria. Guests can place several selections onto the system's Consideration List™ for discussion with the staff.

"The Wireless WineList solution allowed us to customize the wine list to reflect the atmosphere of the restaurant as well as to classify the wines in various ways that make sense for our guests," said Steve Wildy, Beverage Director for Vetri Family. He added, "The solution is also intuitive and easy to use. That was a big factor in making the decision to migrate to this type of technology. It is literally as simple as pressing a button."

"We are honored that Osteria selected the Tiare platform to showcase their wine program," said Jeffrey Krevitt, President, Tiare Technology. He continued, "We have a great respect for their commitment to providing excellence in regional Italian cuisine and the wines that complement it."

For the last decade, Tiare's singular focus has been to provide customized ordering solutions to the hospitality, food and beverage industries. Krevitt added, "Tiare understands the unique needs of our customers, and has the expertise to deliver customized products that elevate service and bring business results."

Tags: osteria, new, philadelphia, tiare technology, ipad, wireless winelist, wine, jeff benjamin, steve wildy, winelist, beverage, first

Men’s Journal: “Philly’s Italian Pride”

By Hashtag on Apr 05 2012 Posted in: Vetri, Osteria, Alla Spina, Amis, Press, 0 comments

Chef Marc Vetri found his passion for food growing up in South Philly. It's that beginning that is detailed in the May issue of Men's Journal, alongside a recipe inspired by Marc's father. If you've had the "Sal's Old School Meatballs" at Amis then you know the recipe is worth a look. 

The recipe comes from Marc's newest book, Rustic Italian Food. 

Tags: marc vetri, amis, rustic italian food, men's journal, may, south philly, sal's old school meatballs

Vetri Nominated for 2012 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award

By Hashtag on Mar 27 2012 Posted in: Vetri, 0 comments

 

Vetri Ristorante was nominated recently for the distinguished award of "Outstanding Restaurant" by the James Beard Foundation. Four other phenomenal restaurants from across the country were also nominated.    From the website:    Outstanding Restaurant   A restaurant in the united states that serves as a national standard- bearer for consistent quality and excellence in food, atmosphere, and service. Candidates must have been in operation for at least 10 or more consecutive years.   Balthazar NYC   Blue Hill NYC   Boulevard San Francisco   Highlands Bar and Grill Birmingham, AL   Vetri Philadelphia   Winners will be announced in early May.

Tags: vetri, james beard, marc vetri, james beard awards

Vetri’s Home Kitchen Featured in Food Network Mag

By Hashtag on Mar 21 2012 Posted in: Vetri, Alla Spina, Press, 0 comments

Download & read the entire article, Star Kitchen: Italian Chef Marc Vetri Brings His Work Home to a Fully Stocked Kitchen. Make sure to pick up Food Network Magazine's April Edition as well.

Tags: food network, marc vetri