Balsamic Martinis, by Fabio Viviani & Jacopo Fellini

This is the second installment of my weekly feature of favorite recipes from chef friends and colleagues of mine. I was turned onto the wonders of the Balsamic Martini at a food and wine fest I hosted in Myrtle Beach a couple of months ago. Fabio gained near-instant fame with his turn on "Top Chef" a couple of seasons ago. He didn't win, but was the breakout personality, and I really appreciate his simplified approach to Italian food. Plus, he's a pisser to hang out with! His partner, Jacopo, is the mixologist, and the yin to Fabio's yeng. They're lifelong friends, and their shorthand communication with each other makes it apparent. Anyway, this martini is what they served a drooling crowd at their invite-only wine dinner that weekend... it's a classic Italian combo of stawberry and balsamic taken to a libation level!

It also happens to be one of the few cocktails I've attempted in my home (I'm a wine and beer guy). Made it tonight, to go with a fave recipe of mine, Flat Iron Steak Balsamico, with sliced baby bellas and sundried tomatoes, parmesan green beans with almond slivers, and parmesan roasted potatoes. All done in honor of a dear friend (and mother to my kids' best friends) who's moving away...

Without further ado, I present the Osteria Firenze Balsamic Martini:

• Hull 3 strawberries
• Muddle together, with the strawberries, 3/4 oz. simple syrup, 12-15 dashes balsamic vinegar, and a wedge of lime
• Add mixture to 1 1/2 oz. Vanilla Rum
• Add ice and shake well; serve with a strainerDrizzle the inside of the glass with balsamic glaze

We loved this drink, although it didn't quite do justice to the Firenze version. I like how the balsamic from the drink carried through to the balsamic that complimented the steak...

Cheers!

Yes, Masters

In an unintended, ironic twist, Top Chef Masters debuts at exactly the same time THE Masters tees of in Augusta, GA. Take that, Tiger!
Found a preview of the new season, which premieres on Bravo April 7th at Grub Street.

http://newyork.grubstreet.com

Top Chef Double Vision

Well, well, well, looks like Jennifer finally has some competition. Michael I. would like you think it's him (is it just me, or does he wish his last name was Voltaggio, too?!?), but it's pretty clear it's in the form of the Volt Bros. Talk about 2 extremes...Michael with his bleached hair, tatts galore, cocksure/rock star vibe, and Bryan (love the spelling, bro, just like my boy!) with his conservative, reserved personality. Both are admirably dedicated and passionate forces to be reckoned with, regardless of their appearances, and I love how the producers make sure to iso the other brother when his sibling wins a challenge or reward...
Backtracking a bit, but Kevin may have won the Top Chef reward of a lifetime, getting to break bread with French living legends like Boulud, Keller, and Robuchon, but didn't it seem like he was stuck at the kids table at Thanksgiving? If he indeed said anything of substance, we certainly didn't get a whiff of it, aside from one meager comment. I suppose there wasn't enough oxygen in the room when you dine with the likes of those chefs in that stratosphere...
Loved seeing my friend and culinary cowboy Tim Love as the guest judge this week... so talented, and such a bright personality. Same way off the air as he is on it. My man needs his own show, and I only hope it's me who can someday deliver it to him...