SWISS_CHEF

Good question, in fact they are divided into four groups and in the book they look like this: VISSANI (SPACE) GAMBERO ROSSO LA TORRE DEL SARACINO (SPACE) DAL PESCATORE LE CALANDRE (SPACE) DA CAINO COMBAL.0 IL DESCO GUALTIERO MARCHESI ENOTECA PINCHIORRI LA PERGOLA DELL'HOTEL HILTON LA STUA DE MICHIL VILLA CRESPI I assume Vissani is considered number 1 and so on down the line. According to their explanation, they choose the restaurants based on wine, food and atmosphere, with a special emphasis on pairing the wine with the food but their primary focus seems to be wine.

I don't think you have been trying the right oils... Italians make some of the finest olive oils in the world. This scandal mostly applies to cheap bulk grade stuff, not the handmade DOP oils. I buy one new artisanal oil every month and almost without exception they are divine. It sounds like you like the full flavored oils so look for oils from Tuscany and further south. For lighter more perfumed oils look for Ligurian, Piedmont (yes they exist) and Lake Garda oils. Don't give up, keep tasting!

I'm happy to help! For those of you that have not heard of the "Associazione Italiana Sommelier" it is a very respected and (I believe) less political and commercial guide to wine and restaurants in Italy. This years volume is 1790 pages, a veritable phone book of information. Unfortunately, it is only published in Italian. After being led astray countless times by Gambero Rosso this will be my guide from now on.

A "grappoli" is a grape cluster in Italian. The AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommelier) uses grape clusters instead of stars. Five clusters is their highest rating. These are the winners: Wine / vintage / wine maker Barbaresco 2003 GAJA Barbaresco Bricco Asili Bricco Asili 2003 Ceretto Barbaresco Cotta 2003 Sottimano Barbaresco Rabajà 2003 Bruno Rocca - Rabajà Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva 2001 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco S. Stefano Riserva 2001 Castello di Neive Barbaresco San Stefanetto 2003 Piero Busso Barbaresco Starderi 2003 La Spinetta Barbaresco Valeirano Riserva 2001 La Spinetta Barbaresco Vanotu 2003 Pelissero Barba resco Vigneto Brich Ronchi 2003 Albino Rocca Barbera d'Alba 2003 Flavio Roddolo Barbera d'Alba Asili 2004 Cascina Luisin Barbera d'Alba Bric Bertu 2004 Negro Barbera d'Alba Fornaci 2004 Giacomo Grimaldi Barbera d'Alba La Romualda 2004 Ferdinando Principiano Barbera d'Alba Rocca delle Marasche 2004 Deltetto Barbera d Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia 2004 Vietti Barbera d'Alba Vigna Carzello 2004 Edoardo Sobrino Barbera. d' Asti Bricco dei la Bigotta 2004 Braida - Giacomo Bologna Barbera d'Asti Superiore Alfiera 2004 Marchesi Alfieri Barbera d'Asti Superiore Bionzo 2004 La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti Superiore Nizza Favà 2003 Tenuta Garetto Barolo Albe 2002 G. D.Vajra Bar olo C'ci retta 2001 Luigi Baudana Barolo Cerretta 2001 Ettore Germano Barolo Ginestra Riserva 2000 Paolo Conterno Barolo Granbussia Riserva 2000 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Le Rocche dei Falletto Riserva 2000 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Liste 2001 Borgogno Barolo Monfortino Riserva 1999 Conterno Barolo Monprivato Cà d'Morissio Riserva 1996 Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva 2000 Paolo Scavino Barolo Rüncot 2001 Elio Grasso Barolo Vecchie Viti dei Capalot e delle Brunate Riserva 2001 Roberto Voerzio Barolo Vigna Rionda 2001 Oddero Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2000 Massolino Barolo Vignolo Riserva 2000 Fratelli Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Barolo Voghera Brea Riserva 2000 Azelia Caluso Passito Sulé 2001 Orsolani Carema Etichetta Nera 2001 Ferrando Dogliani Siri d’Jermu 2005 Pecchenino Dolcetto d'Alba Batturot 2005 Ca'Viola Dolcetto d'Alba Solatio Brovia 2004 Brovia Gattinara Riserva 2001 Travaglini Gavi Soldati La Scolea Brut d'Antan Riserva 1992 La Scolca Hary's 2004 Gillardi Langhe Darmagi 2003 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Costa Russi 2003 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Il Favot 2003 Poderi Aldo Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo Sori Tildin 2003 Gaja Nebbiolo d’Alba 2004 Hilberg-Pasquero Nebbiolo d’Alba Valmaggiore 2004 Sandrone Piemonte Moscato d’Autunno 2005 Saracco Roero 2003 Cascina Val del Prete Roero 2003 Trintà 2003 Malvirà Happy sipping!

Restaurants awarded 5 tastvins (highest rating) in 2007 by the Association of Italian Sommeliers 1. VISSANI Civitella del Lago Terni 2. GAMBERO ROSSO San Vincenzo Livorno 3. LA TORRE DEL SARACINO Vico Equense Napoli 4. DAL PESCATORE Canneto sull'Oglio Mantova 5. LE CALANDRE Rubano Padova 6. DA CAINO Manciano Grosseto 7. COMBAL.0 Rivoli Torino 8. IL DESCO Verona 9. GUALTIERO MARCHESI Erbusco Brescia 10. ENOTECA PINCHIORRI Firenze 11. LA PERGOLA DELL'HOTEL HILTON Roma 12. LA STUA DE MICHIL Corvara in Badia Bolzano 13. VILLA CRESPI Orta San Giulio Novara

Thanks Boris, I will keep experimenting with the sensor. We are looking forward to December too! Dec 8-13th is the Fiera del Bue Grasso di Moncalvo, a festival dating back 369 years!

DUEMALLEVINI (THE ASSOCIATION OF ITALIAN SOMMELIERS) 2007 TOP RESTAURANT PICKS IN PIEDMONT (Listed according to town) RISTORANTE I CAFFI ACQUI TERME (AL) Via Verdi ang.Via del Voltone, 1 Tel. 0144 325206 - www.icaffi.it RISTORANTE PISTERNA ACQUI TERME (AL) Via Scatilazzi, 15 - Tel. 0144 325114 - www.pistema.it RISTORANTE DULCIS VITIS ALBA (CN) Via Rattazzi, 7 Tel. 0173 364633 - www.dulcisvitis.it RISTORANTE LOCANDA DEL PILONE ALBA (CN) Fraz. Madonna di Corno, 34 Tel. 0 173 366616 - www.locandadeipilone.com RISTORANTE PIAZZA DUOMO Alba (CN) P.zza Risorgimento, 4 Tel. 0173 366167 - www.piazzaduomoalba.it RISTORANTE L'ARCIMBOLDO Alessandria Via Legnano, 2 Tel. 0131 52022 - www.RISTORANTEarcimboldo.it RISTORANTE LA FERMATA ALESSANDRIA - Fraz. Spinetta Marengo Via Bolla, 2 Tel. 0131251350 - www.lafermata-al.it RISTORANTE IL GRAPPOLO ALESSANDRIA - Via Casale, 28 - Tel. 0131 253217 - www.RISTORANTEiigrappolo.it RISTORANTE VECCHIA ARONA ARONA (NO) Lungolago Marconi, 17 Tel. 0322 242469 RISTORANTE L'ANGOLO DEL BEATO ASTI Via Guttuari, 12 Tel. 0141531668 - www.angolodelbeato.it RISTORANTE GENER NEUV ASTI Lungo Tanaro dei Pescatori, 4 Tel. 0141 557270 - www.generneuv.it OSTERIA Al BINARI ASTI - S.S. Asti-Chivasso Fraz. Mombarone, 145 Tel. 0141294228 OSTERIA DEL DIAVOLO ASTI P.zza San Martino, 6 Tel. 0 141 30221 - 339 4286857 - www.osteriadeldiavolo.it TACABANDA ASTI Via al Teatro Alfieri, 5 Tel. 0141 530999 RISTORANTE ANTINÉ BARBARESCO (CN) Via Torino, 16 Tel. 0 173 635294 - www.antine.it RISTORANTE AL VECCHIO TRE STELLE BARBARESCO (CN) Fraz. Tre Stelle Tel. 0173 638192 - www.vecchiotrestelle.it RISTORANTE D'LA PICOCARDA BARGE (CN) Loc. Crocera Via Cardè, 71 Tel. 0175 30300 RISTORANTE LOCANDA NEL BORGO ANTICO BAROLO (CN) Via Boschetti, 4 Tel. 0173 56355 - www.locandanelborgo,it RISTORANTE OSTERIA LA CANTINELLA BAROLO (CN) Via Acqua Gelata, 4/a Tel. 0173 56267 RISTORANTE VILLA D'AMELIA BENEVELLO (CN) Fraz. Manera Loc. Bonelli Bianchi, 1 Tel. 0173 529225 - www.villadamelia.com RISTORANTE BUNET BERGOLO (CN) Via Roma, 24 Tel. 0173 87013 - www.lbunet.it RISTORANTE PRINZ GRILL BIELLA Via Torino, 14 Tel. 015 30302 RISTORANTE PINOCCHIO BORGOMANERO (NO) Via Matteotti, 147 Tel. 0322 82273 - www.RISTORANTEpinocchio.it RISTORANTE TRATTORIA DEI COMMERCIANTI BORGOMANERO (NO) Via Cornice, 35 Tel. 0322 841392 - www.trattoriadeicommercianti.it RESTORANTE OSTERIA CASCINA DEI FIORI BORGOVERCELLI (VC) Reg. Forte Cascina dei Fiori Tel. 0161 32827 RISTORANTE AL RODODENDRO BOVES (CN) Via San Giacomo, 73 Tel. 0171380372 RISTORANTE LA CORTE ALBERTINA BRA (CN) Fraz. Pollenzo P.zza Vittorio Emanuele 3 Tel. 0172 458189 - www.lacortealbertina.it RISTORANTE GUIDO A POLLENZO BRA (CN) - Fraz. Pollenzo Via Fossano, 19 Tel. 0172 458422 - www.guidoRISTORANTE.it RISTORANTE OSTERIA DEL BOCCONDIVINO BRA (CN) Via Mendicità Istruita, 14 Tel. 0172 425674 - www.boccondivinoslow.it RISTORANTE MARSUPINO BRIAGLIA (CN) Via Roma, 20 Tel. 0174 563888 - www.trattoriamarsupino.it RISTORANTE VIOLETTA CALAMANDRANA (AT) Via Valle San Giovanni, 1 Tel. 0 141 769011 OSTERIA DELLA GALLINA SVERSA CALOSSO (AT) - Fraz. Piana del Salto Via Battibò, 9 Tel. 0141853483 - www.gallinasversa.com RISTORANTE GARDENIA CALUSO (TO) C.so Torino, 9 Tel. 011 9832249 - www.gardeniacaluso.it RISTORANTE TAVERNA DI CAMPAGNA DAL 1997 CAMAGNA MONFERRATO (AL) Vicolo Sallina, 20 Tel. 0142 925645 RISTORANTE AL CAMINETTO CAMERI (NO) Via Cavour, 30 Tel. 0321 518780 RISTORANTE ALL ENOTECA L CANALE (CN) Via Roma, 57 Tel. 0173 95857 RISTORANTE VILLA TIBOLDI CANELLI (CN) - Loc. Tiboldi Case Sparse, 127 Tel. 0173 970388 - www.villatiboldi.it RISTORANTE SAN MARCO CANELLI (AT) Via Alba, 136 Tel. 0141 823544 - www.sanmarcoRISTORANTE.it RISTORANTE LOCANDA MALPASSUTI CARBONARA SCRIVIA (AL) Vicolo A. Cantù, 11 Tel. 0131 892643 - www.locandamalpassuti.it RISTORANTE OSTERIA DEL BORGO CARRÙ (CN) Via Garibaldi, 19 Tel. 0173 759184 - www.osteriaborgo.it RISTORANTE CACCIATORI CARTOSIO (AL) Via Moreno, 30 Tel. 0 144 40123 RISTORANTE LA TORRE CASALE MONFERRATO (AL) Via Candiani d'Olivola, 36 Tel. 0142 70295 - www.RISTORANTE-latorre.it RISTORANTE LA FIORAIA CASTELLO DI ANNONE (AT) Via Mondo, 26 Tel. 0141401106 RISTORANTE ARIANNA CAVAGLIETTO (NO) Via Umberto, 4 Tel. 0322 806l34 - www.jre.it RISTORANTE ANTICA CORONA REALE CERVERE (CN) Via Fossano, 13 Tel. 0 172 474132 RISTORANTE OPERTI 1772 DA FAUSTO CHERASCO (CN) Via Vittorio Emanuele, 103 Tel. 0172 487048 - www.opertil772.it RISTORANTE OSTERIA DELLA ROSA ROSSA CHERASCO (CN) Via San Pietro, 31 Tel. 0172 488133 RISTORANTE SAN DOMENICO CHIERI (TO) Via San Domenico, 2/b Tel. 0 11 9411864 RISTORANTE DOLCE STIL NOVO CIRIÈ (TO) - Loc. Devesi Via San Pietro, 71 Tel. 011 9211110 - www.dolcestilnovo.com RISTORANTE LOCANDA DELL 'ARCO CISSONE (CN) Pzza dell'Olmo, 1 Tel. 0 173 748200 - www.locandadellarco.com RISTORANTE VILLA SAN CARLO CORTEMILIA (CN) C.so Divisioni Alpine, 41 Tel. 0173 81546 - www.hotelsancarlo.it ENOTECA CAFFÈ ROMA COSTIGLIOLE D'ASTI (AT) Pzza Umberto 1, 14 Tel. 0141 966544 - www.enotecafferoma.com RISTORANTE COLLAVINI COSTIGLIOLE D'ASTI (AT) S.da Traniera 24 Tel. 0141966440 - www.fistorantecollavini.it RISTORANTE DA MAURIZIO CRAVANZANA (CN) - Via San Rocco, 16 Tel. 0173 855019 - www.RISTORANTEdamaurizio.it RISTORANTE BEL SOGGIORNO CREMOLINO (AL) Via Umberto 1, 69 Tel. 0143 879012 - www.RISTORANTEbelsoggiorno.it RISTORANTE DELLE ANTICHE CONTRADE CUNEO Via Savigliano, 11 Tel. 0171 690429 - www.antichecontrade.it RISTORANTE OSTERIA DELLA CHIOCCIOLA CUNEO Via Fossano, 1 Tel. 0 171 66277 RISTORANTE TRATTORIA DEI TACCONOTTI FRASCARO (AL) - Fraz. Tacconotti, 17 Tel. 0131278488 RISTORANTE NUOVO IMPERO GATTINARA (NO) Via E Mattai, 4 Tel. 0 163 833234 RISTORANTE CANTINE DEL GAVI GAVI (AL) Via G. Manneli, 69 Tel. 0 143 642458 RISTORANTE OSTERIA LA MADERNASSA GUARENE (CN) Fraz. Castelrotto Loc. Lora, 2 Tel: 0 173 611716 - www.osterialamadernassa.it RISTORANTE IL CASCINALENUOVO ISOLA D'ASTI (AT) Statale Asti-Alba, 15 Tel. 0141958166 - www.ilcascinalenuovo.it RISTORANTE DA MANUELA ISOLA SANT' ANTONI0 (AL) Via Po, 31 Tel. 0131857177 RESTORANTE BELVEDERE LA MORRA (CN) Pzza Castello, 5 Tel: 017350190 - www.belvederelamorra.it RISTORANTE OSTERIA VEGLIO LA MORRA (CN) - Fraz. Annunziata, 9 - Tel. 0173 509341 RISTORANTE LA PIOLA DEL BARBON MANTA (CN) Via Garibaldi, 190 Tel. 0175 88088 RISTORANTE NOVECENTO MEINA (NO) Via Ing. Bonomi, 13 Tel. 0322 669600 - www.nov-ece-nto.it RISTORANTE MACALLÉ Momo (NO) Via Boniperti, 2 Tel. 0321926064 - www.macalle.it RISTORANTE AMETISTA MONCALVO (AT) P.zza Antico Castello, 15 Tel. 0 141 917423 RISTORANTE GIARDINO DA FELICIN MONFORTE D'ALBA (CN) Via Vallada, 18 Tel. 0 173 78225 - www.felicin.it OSTERIA LA SALITA MONFORTE D'ALBA (CN) Via Marconi, 2/a Tel. 0 173 787196 RISTORANTE TRATTORIA DELLA POSTA MONFORTE D'ALBA (CN) Loc. Sant'Anna, 87 Tel. 0 173 78120 - www.trattoriadellaposta.it RISTORANTE LA BRAJA MONTEMAGNO (AT) Via San Giovanni Bosco, 11 Tel. 0141653925 - www.labraja.it RISTORANTE CONTI ROERO MONTICELLO D'ALBA (CN) Pzza San Ponzio, 3 Tel. 0173 64155 - www.contiroero.com RISTORANTE CASCINA MARTINI MURISENGO (AL) - Fraz. Corteranzo Via Gianoli, 15 Tel. 0 141693015 - www.cascinamartini.com RISTORANTE LA CONTEA NEIVE (CN) Pzza Cocito, 8 Tel. 0173 67126-677558 - www.la-contea.it CANTINA DEL RONDÒ NIEVE (CN) Loc. Fausoni, 7 Tel. 0173 679808 - www.cantinadelrondo.it LA SIGNORA IN ROSSO NIZZA MONFERRATO (AT) Via Crova, 2 Tel: 0141 793350 - www.signorainrosso.com RISTORANTE TANTRIS NOVARA C.so Risorgimento, 384 Tel. 0321657343 RISTORANTE VILLA CRESPI ORTA SAN GIULIO (NO) Via G. Fava, 18 Tel. 0322 911902 - www.hotelvillacrespi.it RISTORANTE OSTERIA DEL BRUTTO ANATROCCOLO PEZZOLO VALLE UZZONE (CN) Via Roma, 31 Tel. 0173 827505 RISTORANTE LE CLIVIE PIOBESI D'ALBA (CN) - Loc. Carretta, 2 Tel. 0173 619261 RISTORANTE AI NOVE MERLI PIOSSASCO (TO) Via Rapida ai Castelli, 10 Tel:. 011 90413 8 8 - www.novemerli.it RISTORANTE IL PATIO POLLONE (BI) Via Oremo, 14 Tel. 0 15 61568 RISTORANTE IL CENTRO PRIOCCA (CN) - Via Uimberto 1, 5 Tel. 0173 616112 - www.RISTORANTEilcentro.com RISTORANTE COMBAL.ZERO RIVOLI (TO) - Pzza Mafalda di Savoia Tel. 011 9565225 - www.combal.org VINERIA TASCHET ROCCHETTA TANARO (AT) P.zza Piacentino, 11 Tel. 0 141 644424 RISTORANTE L’OSTU DIJ BALOSS SALUZZO (CN) - Via Gualtieri 38 Tel. 0175 248618 - www.ostudijbaloss.it RISTORANTE MALAN LOCANDA DEL POSTALE SAN GERMANO CHISONE (TO) Via Ponte Palestro, 25 Tel. 0121 58822 - www.RISTORANTErnalan.it RISTORANTE CASTELLO DI SAN GIORGIO SAN GIORGIO MONFERRATO (AL) Via Cavalli d'Olivola, 3 Tel. 0142 806203 - www.castellodisangiorgio.it RISTORANTE DEL BELBO DA BARDON SAN MARZANO OLIVETO (AT) Loc. Valle Asinari, 25 Tel. 0 141 831340 RISTORANTE LA CREDENZA SAN MAURIZIO CANAVESE (TO) Via Cavour, 22 Tel: 0 11 9278014 - www.fistorantelacredenza.it RISTORANTE IL RISTORANTE DI GUIDO DA COSTIGLIOLE SANTO STEFANO BELBO (CN) Loc. San Maurizio, 39 Tel: 0 141 844455 - www.relaissanmaurizio.it RISTORANTE LA ROSA DEI VINI SERRALUNGA D'ALBA (CN) Loc. Parafada, 4 Tel. 0 173 613219 - www.larosadeivini.com RISTORANTE LA COCCINELLA SERRAVALLE LANGHE (CN) Via Provinciale, 5 Tel: 0173 748220 - www.the-weber.com/coccinella RISTORANTE AL SORRISO SORRISO (NO) Via Roma, 18 Tel: 0322 983228 - www.alsorriso.com RISTORANTE PIEMONTESE STRESA (VB) Via Mazzini, 25 Tel. 0323 30235 - www.stresa.org RISTORANTE OSTERIA IL MELOGRANO TERRUGGIA (AL) Pzza Vittorio Emanuele III, 9 Tel. 0142 401531 - www.osteriailmelograno.com RISTORANTE VITTORIA TIGLIOLE (AT) Via Roma, 14 Tel. 0141667713 - www.RISTORANTEvittoria.it RISTORANTE AB+ TORINO Via della Basilica 13 Tel. 0114390618 - www.progettocluster.com RISTORANTE LA BARRIQUE TORINO C.so Dante, 53/a Tel. 011 657900 RISTORANTE CASA VICINA TORINO Via A. Massena, 66 Tel. 0 11 590949 - www.casavicina.it RISTORANTE CUBICO TORINO Via Saluzzo, 86 bis Tel. 011 19714546 - www.cubicoRISTORANTE.it RISTORANTE DEL CAMBIO TORINO P.zza Carignano, 2 Tel. 0 11 546690 - www.thi.it RISTORANTE AL GARAMOND TORINO Via Pomba, 14 Tel. 011 8122781 - www.algaramond.it RISTORANTE AL GATTO NERO TORINO C.so Filippo Turati, 14 Tel. 011 590477-590414 - www.gattonero.it RISTORANTE LOCANDA MONGRENO TORINO S.da comunale Mongreno, 50 Tel. 011 8980417 RISTORANTE LA PISTA TORINO Via Nizza, 262 Tel. 0116313523 - www.lapista.to.it RISTORANTE TRE GALLINE TORINO Via G. Bellezia, 37 Tel. 0114366553 - www.3galline.it OSTERIA ANTICHE SERE TORINO Via Cenischia, 9 Tel. 0 11 3 854347 RISTORANTE VINTAGE 1997 TORINO P.zza Solferino, 16/h Tel. 011 535948 - www.vintagel997.com LE VITEL ETONNÉ TORINO Via San Francesco da Paola, 4 Tel. 011 8124621 - www.leviteletonne.com RISTORANTE FLIPOT TORRE PELLICE (TO) C.so A. Gramsci 17 Tel. 0121 953465 - www.flipot.com RISTORANTE CAFFÉ GROPPI TRECATE (NO) V.le G. Mameli, 20 Tel. 0321 71154 - www.caffegroppi.it RISTORANTE LA CIAU DEL TORNAVENTO TREISO (CN) P.zza Baracco, 7 Tel. 0173 638333 - www.lacialadeltornavento.it RISTORANTE PICCOLO LAGO VERBANIA Fraz. Fondotoce Via E Turati, 87 Tel. 0323 586792 - www.piccololago.it RISTORANTE GIARDINETTO VERCELLI Via L. Sereno, 3 Tel. 0161 257230 - www.hrgiardinetto.com RISTORANTE REAL CASTELLO VERDUNO (CN) Via Umberto 1, 9 Tel. 0172 470125 - www.castellodiverduno.com RISTORANTE LA PERGOLA VEZZA D'ALBA (CN) Loc. Borgonuovo P.zza San Carlo, 1 Tel. 0173 65178 VINERIA OSTERIA PERBACCO VILLA SAN SECONDO (AT) - Fraz. San Secondo Via Montechiaro, 26 Tel. 0141 905525 - www.osteriaperbacco.it

I had the same problem with mine, but I was able to move the sensor (or sensor construction, that is) 2-3 milimeters closer to the flame. Shut down threshold came down to an acceptable 2-3 seconds, and I have still all the safety of the "no flame, no gas" thermocoupled valves. ← I didn't get anywhere with this. I can unscrew the sensors but I can't get them closer unless I redrill the hole.. Is that what you did Boris?

I am happy to say that due to popular demand I have posted the the cookbook here. I hope you enjoy it. Sorry the first link is bad: try this

My father is from Rayville, Missouri (pop. 204) and my grandmother and aunts were famous for their fried chicken. Their secret was long cooking times, not the coating. Although considered simple food, this kind of meal would keep my grandma busy in the kitchen all morning, she usually started cooking right after breakfast. This was our typical "Sunday dinner" (lunch): Fried Chicken-One chicken (free range) cut into 10 pieces (two wings, two drum sticks, two thighs two breasts and two backs) -Flour -Salt -Black pepper -Vegetable shortening (Crisco) or lard (lard is best) Season chicken pieces well with salt and pepper then roll them in flour and put them into a cast iron frying pan with 1.5 cm of oil or lard and fry them over medium heat until brown on all sides. Once browned lower the heat cover with a lid and let them simmer very low until the meat is very very tender about 30 minutes, when done place the pieces on paper towels to drain the fat. Cream Gravy for Fried Chicken Pour off most of the fat in the pan that you fried the chicken in, allowing about two tablespoons to remain, be sure to leave in any bits of browned flour, add two tablespoons of flour and cook slowly until it begins to take on a light golden color, add 1/3 liter or more of milk and stir frequently bringing the gravy to a rapid boil, it should be quite thin, if not add milk, then boil the gravy over medium heat until the bubbles are are the size of dimes and gravy is a nice consistency. Mashed potatoes No recipe, just beat them with some warm milk until they are smooth, put them in a big bowl and top with butter and black pepper. Creamed Corn 2 Cans of corn (or fresh) Cream Salt Black Pepper Sugar to taste (we liked it pretty sweet) Put corn and some cream in a blender or food processor and blend shortly until the corn is coarsely pured and slightly soupy add cream, salt pepper and sugar to taste and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Creamed corn should be slightly sweet and thick. Shelly Beans 1 Pound fresh green beans stemmed and cut in half 1 lb of cooked brown beans like pinto or Borlotti (canned works too) A large handful of left-over shredded smoked pork or bacon One small onion finely chopped Salt Black pepper Vegetable oil A little water Fry the onion slowly in the oil over medium heat and when translucent add the pork and beans and a little bit of water, season and cook slowly until the green beans are very tender but still hold their form. Cole Slaw 8 Cups finely chopped cabbage 1/4 Cup carrot, shredded 1/3 Cup sugar 1/2 Teaspoon salt 1/8 Teaspoon pepper 1/4 Cup milk 1/2 Cup mayonnaise 1/4 Cup buttermilk 1 1/2 tbs. white vinegar 2 1/2 tbs. lemon juice Shred cabbage and carrots into small pieces. (The food processor is great for this!) In salad bowl, combine the sugar, salt, pepper, milk, mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar and lemon juice. Beat until smooth. Add the cabbage and carrots. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serves 6 to 8 Coconut Cream Pie 1 Pie shell, 9", baked FILLING 1/3 Cup sugar, granulated 1/4 Cup cornstarch 1/4 Tablespoon salt 2 Cup milk, whole 1 Can cream of coconut (8oz) 3 Egg yolks; beaten 2 Tablespoon butter/margarine 1 Cup coconut, flaked 2 Tablespoon vanilla MERINGUE 3 Egg whites 1/2 Tablespoon vanilla 1/4 Tablespoon cream of tartar 1/3 Cup sugar, granulated 2 Tablespoon coconut, flaked For filling, in a med. saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in milk and cream of coconut. Cook and stir over med. heat till thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 mins. more. Gradually stir about 1 Cup of the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks, stirring constantly. Return all of the mixture to saucepan. Cook and stir till bubbly. Cook and stir 2 mins. more. Remove from heat. Stir in margarine or butter till melted. Stir in the coconut and vanilla. Pour filling into baked pie shell. For meringue, let egg whites stand at room temp for 30 mins. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar on med. speed of an electric mixer till soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add sugar, 1 Tablespoon at a time, till stiff peaks form. Evenly spread meringue over hot filling; seal to pastry edge. Sprinkle with the coconut. Bake in a 350° oven for 15 mins. Cool for 1 hour on a wire rack. Cover and chill for 3 to 6 hours before serving. All of these recipes are from my book The Ex-pat's American Comfort Food Cookbook unpublished, but if you PM me I will send you an free e-copy.

It just goes to show... a little oil, an extra virgin or two and someone is going to get screwed!

This should help you..

I made the Basmati tonight. It was good but honestly I can't say it was any better than a good Basmati I buy at a local Indian grocery store in Switzerland. I will report on the Cicerchia di Serra de’ Conti next...trouble is I have never had Cicerchia before so I can't really provide an objective analysis.

Here is some more info on the unusual Cisterna wine: http://www.fratellipovero.it/eng/santalucrezia.htm

Wow, very nice! Weird about the hot knobs. Up date on mine... - Oven takes a long time to pre-heat and really sucks the Kilowats (If I run the dishwasher at the same time it blows the breaker (not that rare in Italy). In fairness it is a huge oven. - Once hot it works great and I like the convection option and the grill behind a glass plate feature. - The gas ignition is a drag because you have to hold down the knob until the sensor heats up, takes about 5-7 seconds. I may be able to hotwire this though. - Burners are great and the huge center burner boils the water in my big pasta pot very quickly.

First go to "Your Control Panel"... then "Your Albums" (left side).. then "Create Album" create your album, then up load the pictures using "Bulk Upload" then "View Pictures" and get the URLs for each picture Then go to your post and click IMG and enter the URL It's a pain but you get used to it.

Hi Rina, Thanks for this write up and we will put Al Enoteca on our to do list. By the way, there is a very interesting red wine from Cisterna (called Cisterna). Try it if you get a chance, Povero brothers makes a good one. Ciao, Ed Edit: Just checked and Davide lists it on his menu.... impressive wine list by the way!

Just a word of caution; A large portion of truffles for sale at the Alba truffle market are from other regions of Italy and even Europe. Just have a quick look at the Eastern European number plates in the parking lots and you will get the idea. You are safer going to some of the smaller local festivals like Moncalvo and Montechiaro. There you will be fairly sure you are getting the local stuff. Also, If you don't know truffles don't buy them. You need to have some experience smelling truffles in order to judge them. Once bought try to use the truffle ASAP. In a week a small truffle can loose half it's body weight. If you are planning on carrying it in your luggage while you finish your two week vacation in Italy you are in for a big surprise! Best advice is to enjoy the truffles at a well respected local restaurant that either hunts their own truffles or buys them from local hunters.

Hi Judith, If you decide to offer a few wines from Piemonte let me know. I have been importing our local wines to Switzerland and have some good connections here.

Secret places are more of a myth that a reality. The reality is you just have to go out every morning and see if your dog gets a scent... this takes hours and hours and usually they don't come up with a thing... it is a pain in the ass and boring but this is how it works. Usually you don't get to keep the truffles you find but you can buy them at a favorable rate. If there was actually an easy way to hunt truffles they would be plentiful and cheap. There are several restaurants that Paolo uses, all of them are good but probably not in many guide books.

I can really recommend: http://www.buongustotours.com/ Paolo Ferrero is a one-man-show and he will bend over backwards to make sure you have a good time. He knows EVERYONE in the Monferrato and the region around Moncalvo and Montechiaro is prime white truffle hunting grounds. If you need B&B suggestions, let me know I have loads!

Thanks John and emsny, I agree that if any of the money makes it back to the farmer then it is a good thing but somehow I get the feeling that the supermarkets might take advantage of the slowfood movement purely for their profit's sake and create a bubble that will burst, leaving us wondering "what ever happened to the Slow Food products that used to be on the shelves". Coop has grabbed on to every enviro-fad ever invented, some good and some bad. Go to their web page and click on "Labels" and you will see. I am worried that it will only be a matter of time before consumers get burned out of all this high-end hype and the important concepts like the Slow Food rare foods will get lost in the shuffle. I wonder what the pie chart looks like for a dollar/euro/pound spent at the average grocery store? What percentage goes to whom? Isn't the Slow Food concept too important to be trusted to the cut-throat grocery store way of marketing?

Hahaha! I know the store well! You mean you don't like the singing farm animals? I think that's the reason most people go there! I like the golden rule carved in stone! Stu must have been related to the Ringling brothers.

- This afternoon, my neighbor gave me some Robiola di Roccaverano from Cascina Furné in Monestero Bormida. Here abouts it is traditionally served when you die and go to Heaven. - I use Montasio in my polenta for great effect. - On my hit list: Bitto

I was at a Coop grocery store in Switzerland (my local supermarket) day before yesterday and noticed a Slow Food display containing several products promoted by Slow Food... See the whole list here: Sorry in German, French or Italian only. Have you seen Slow Food products in your area of the world yet? If so, have you tried them and what do you think? Prices here in Switzerland are 2 to 3 times the price of other premium brands and way, way more than the budget varieties. I bought some Dehradun Basmati rice and some Cicerchia di Serra de’ Conti I will cook them carefully and let you know what I think. Interestingly enough, the descriptions/directions were written in several languages so Slow Food seems to be gearing up to market globally. In your opinion is that cool or uncool??? Is this what Slow Food is supposed to be all about...flying food all over the world for yuppie consumption? It seems to me that as the end seller, the big profit margins will mostly be realised by the grocery stores... maybe that is why Coop Italy and Coop Switzerland are such big sponsors of Slow Food. I am certainly all for helping to promote sustainable agriculture but is this the right way to do it? Do you think this will end up pissing people off and ruining a really important cause? I hope this won't be the case.