Firenze Osteria

Bravo’s Top Chef is my very favorite cooking show, and is (in my humble opinion) the BEST chef competition on television. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to get to know a few of the “cheftestants” (links below) and most recently befriended the wonderfully CHARMING Chef Fabio Viviani via twitter.

Firenze Osteria is one of his two Southern California restaurants and is just five minutes away from my house. I’ve had so much fun getting to know Fabio during this current All-Stars season, and can’t wait to see what he’s doing next. I’m personally hoping for some sort of Italian Fusion Burger Bar (Top Chef fans will understand!).

A few of my favorite dishes at Firenze Osteria:

Dried Parmesan Bread, Burrata, Brown Butter Sage, Grilled Pancetta

Tonno Ahi al Sesamo – Sesame Ahi Tuna Salad: Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna Steak, baby Greens, Roasted Asparagus, Roasted Carrots and Cherry Tomatoes, Balsamic Dressing

Gamberoni in Camicia – Grilled Jumbo Shrimps: Pancetta Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp filled with Gorgonzola over Parmesan Polenta, Garlic Sautéed Spinach

Pan-fried whitefish with fennel, cucumber and farrow slaw

Bistecca di Bue – Rib Eye: 12 oz Prime Nebraska Rib Eye Steak, Roasted Asparagus & Lemon

Ravioli di Brasato – Braised Short Rib Ravioli: Braised Short Rib Ravioli, Melted Taleggio, Aged Moden

Penne Amatriciana – Penne with Spicy Pork Belly and Onion: Caramelized Cured Pork Belly, Red Onion, White Wine, Tomato, Chilies and Shaved Pecorino Cheese

Desserts! Panna Cotta: Baked Egg-Less Cream with Fresh Strawberries in a Sweet Balsamic Reduction | Limoncello Ricotta Cheesecake: Creamy Ricotta Cheese and Limoncello with a light Graham Cracker Crust | Flourless Chocolate Cake: Warm, Moist Individual Cake, Served with Vanilla Gelato, Chocolate Sauce and Coffee Cream