Militello's Restaurant: Music & Food, A Beautiful Thing "El Jaleo!" I knew when I walked into this tiny glass-enclosed restaurant in Buffalo, NY, that serves every kind of traditional Italian dish, from giambotte to cioppino, homemade bread, great pasta fagiole, good wine--the works, that something was about to happen. There was a buzz

This Chica Cooks...

Oh, yeah, & let's not forget my Day Job...

CUCINA LINDA

What gives a kitchen its unique character?

Here are some things you'll find in my kitchen.

This salt holder from Spain is one of my favorites, I fill it with coarse salt and use it while I cook. The little French container next to it is French Fleur de Sel which is the delicious grey salt from France; it has a unique delicate briny flavor that is remarkable. I sprinkle it on poached eggs or any food that benefits from an assertive sprinkle of this precious little stash.

Handpainted Italian Pots turned into utensil holders & tiny Italian dishes painted with a cook's sayings are the kinds of things you'll find in my kitchen. Collect whatever it is that speaks to you.

I love vessels and collect them wherever I go...these are vintage deco, I don't know their original use, but I fill them with jam, salsa, creme fraiche, whatever!

Sicilian oregano,

How can a $3.99 bag of stems with oregano still clinging to them be so damn good! This is not your supermarket's oregano, trust me on this. Heat it in your oil before putting in other ingredients, you won't even believe it!

This is one of my favorite aprons: "she cooks with the freshness of the garden and the heart of a poet...".

Restaurant Week is Coming!

Last year I had this Cafe Boulud three-course meal for $20, it was amazing. This year's Restaurant Week is coming in March to our neighborhood. It's a great time to go to a great restaurant and treat yourself and support independent restaurants. Check out dates in your area.

TIME TO SQUEEZE!

Fresh Squeezed orange juice is so amazing. No fancy equipment needed, I juice my oranges with an old-fashioned hand-juicer. They are easy to find, inexpensive...and oooh, fresh squeezed juice in minutes. Florida oranges are super juicy, not quite as sweet as navels, but terrific. Just a little reminder since now's the time to take advantage of those big bags of plentiful, low-priced oranges.

Making Bread At Home Quickly

"ARTISAN BREAD IN 5 MINUTES A DAY" It's a miracle!

I made THIS rye bread from this cookbook,...homemade bread in minutes, for real. P.S. did you ever check out the ingredients in a store-bought loaf of bread?