I am a proud third generation Italian cook. The recipes I use have been passed down and around my family and friends. I can emphatically state that there are some things that NEVER happen in my kitchen. They never happened in my mothers or grandmothers kitchen. That is the proud tradition of Italian family cooking and I am happy to share them with you.
- I NEVER throw pasta at a wall to see if it sticks. Nor do I put oil in the water to keep pasta from clumping together. What I do is adequately salt the water and gently stir the pasta into the boiling pot. Once it’s submerged completely I will gently and periodically stir the pasta making sure to reach the bottom of the pot. I have never had pasta stick together using this method.
- Since we are on the subject of pasta, I NEVER rinse pasta under running water after it is finished cooking to the perfect al dente state. Leaving the starch on the pasta is integral to the sauce clinging to the surface for maximum flavor enhancement.
- I absolutely NEVER use garlic in overwhelming quantities. In fact, I use just a smidge of garlic and only in certain recipes. Garlic is not a main ingredient in any authentic Italian dish. I do enjoy using fresh herbs, and spices such as basil, oregano, thyme and rosemary. Fresh lemon zest, salt, and pepper – these are the staples you will find in my kitchen for adding robust flavors to my Italian cuisine.
- I NEVER serve espresso or cappuccino during a meal. I do offer espresso after the meal is finished and while cappuccino is frequently ordered after a meal in a restaurant, I savor a cappuccino in the morning for breakfast or as a quick pick me up in the afternoon.
- I am NEVER without a stocked pantry ready to make my favorite Italian dishes. Dried pasta, dried herbs (remember to use less that when you use fresh as the flavors are concentrated when dried), cans of tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oils (virgin and extra virgin), carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, rice or polenta, breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese are always on hand. Chicken or beef stock and a good white and/or red wine are also in the mix. It’s amazing what you can whip up with these basic ingredients that will be healthy and flavorful.
Whatever your reason to celebrate, allow the caring staff at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano to take care of you and your loved ones. Call us at to reserve a table for your next special occasion at one of the best restaurant Orlando.