Chef Michael's Cooking Night

Chef Michael Hanna, author of 3 Dozen Reasons To Be An Italian Cookbook will be debuting a meal consisting of 5 of his recipes from his book on Monday, January 30, 2012, at Rico’s Pizzeria & Pasta House, 1902 Bay Road (at Bee Ridge & 41), Sarasota, FL. The meal will consist of the following: Tossed House Salad, Garlic Bread, Filet of Cod Fish with Pesto (topped with basil pesto and some butter), Sautéed Green Beans, and Roasted Potatoes Rosemary, all for under $20. Call for reservations - (941) 366-8988.

From Jason George, Cactus Sky Communications

I often encounter many forms of “Italian Cuisine” which all boast authentic flavors and yet when I encompass such claims I take it in with a grain of salt. Food, to me, is more than sustenance for the body; it’s a prolific journey into my youth, a reminder of a casual encounter on a sunny day in the valley, or a romantic evening I shared once with a special friend on the coast as whispers of the tide serenade us under the candlelight.

Recently, I was subject to a sampling of the foods in Michael Hanna’s cookbook “3 Dozen Reasons To Be An Italian.” On the plate was bruschetta (p. 31) with marinated steak house tomatoes (p. 21), roasted chicken with rosemary drumsticks (p. 1), roast potatoes rosemary (p. 28), and spinach stuffed green peppers (p. 22). The dish that stood out to me the most was the bruschetta there was something very magical about the blends of flavors, very sultry sweet and powerfully fresh. My taste buds were almost overwhelmed with layers of garlic, tomato, oregano and parmesan on a crisp yet soft baguette. I asked Michael how this was made and he simply smiled and said “it’s in the book.” I couldn’t help but smile. I then asked what was the biggest challenge for you when you created the cookbook? Michael replied “getting my family to go along with it.” A lot of the recipes are family secrets created in ways to highlight certain flavor profiles in which you won’t find in any restaurant. Some of the recipes took years to perfect or were handed down through generations.”

In a nutshell Michael Hanna’s creations provided a surprisingly harmonious melody of zest and vigor that captivated me in ways I haven’t felt in some time. Thank you Michael for the opportunity to try some of your family secrets and I look forward to entertaining my guests with your cookbook in hand.

-          Jason George

Recipe Sale

Michael is offering three recipes of his signature sauces that can be combined in different ways to produce delicious meals and will introduce you to his cooking – Marinara Sauce; Pesto Genovese Sauce; and Bechamel Sauce. All three recipes can be purchased for a total of $2.00 by sending a check and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Bacigalupo Publishing, LLC, PO Box 15767, Sarasota, FL 34277.

Top 50 Italian Cuisine Sites

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Culinary School Guide website recently compiled a list of the Top 50 Italian Cuisine Sites and Michael's Italian Cuisine website made the list!

Tilapia Fish

Michael recently experimented with Tilapia fish. What a nice, mild fish. He made this fish with a sauce that consisted of fresh chicken stock, cherry tomatoes, and onions. He added some fresh oregano, tarragon, and basil over linguini. New recipe for his new book. Delizioso!

Wine Tasting Event at Salon Alternatives - March 3, 2011

Last week, Michael catered a Wine Tasting event that took place at Salon Alternatives in Sarasota, FL.  The menu was simple and light and consisted of finger food -- Roasted Rosemary Drummettes, Garlic Bread, and Bruschetta.  These recipes are all in his book, however, Michael enhanced the flavor of the Bruschetta with oregano.  The result was mouth watering!!

Book Signing at Circle Books - 2/4/11

Michael will be doing another Book Signing at Circle Books.  This one will take place on Friday, February 4, 2011 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm..  Michael's Book Signings have been very successful.  So come on out and support this upcoming Book Signing of 3 Dozen Reasons To Be An Italian: Cookbook. Get to meet Michael and talk "food."  Circle Books is located at 478 John Ringling Blvd. (St. Armands Circle), Sarasota, FL.  If you are not able to make the Book Signing, the book is available for purchase through this website, or my sending a check in the amount of $17.95 to Bacigalupo Publishing, LLC, PO Box 15767, Sarasota, FL 34277.