Ask Chef Walter: Gnocchi Blunders – Chef Walter Potenza

Gnocchi Walter Potenza Ask Chef Walter RINewsToday Oct. 18, 2025

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer, Walter’s Cooking School The 7 mistakes to avoid and one practical tip Friends: Imagine a humble little dumpling, a staple of Italian grandmothers for centuries, embodying the essence of comfort food. These are gnocchi. The name seems to hint at their character, possibly rolling off the tongue from words…

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Ask Chef Walter: Is it scrod or is it cod – Walter Potenza

Scrod with Chef Walter Potenza, Oct. 12, 2025

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Friends: Imagine walking into a classic, old-school Rhode Island seafood house. The air is salty, the floors are worn wood, and the menu has terms that sound like they come from another time. Next to the clam chowder, you’ll likely see the word “scrod.” And if you’re not…

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Ask Chef Walter: Lentil Bolognese – Walter Potenza

Lentil Bolognese

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Enter Lentil Bolognese, a vibrant, plant-based version that retains all the soul of the original while offering a fresh, nutritious perspective Friend: Bolognese sauce has long been the crown jewel of Italian comfort food—a slow-simmered masterpiece of meat, wine, and tomatoes. But what happens when we reimagine this…

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Ask Chef Walter: How to make Pastiera – Walter Potenza

Round pie with lattice crust on table.

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Friends: If you’ve ever been lucky enough to experience Italy during Easter, you’ll know just how magical—and delicious—it is. The country comes alive with an incredible variety of seasonal cakes and pastries, each one sweeter than the last. What I love most is how every region has its…

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Ask Chef Walter: Importance of fats in diets – Chef Walter Potenza

Open can of sardines with olive oil.

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Fats are not the enemy but an essential component of a healthy diet. They provide energy, support brain health, regulate hormones, and play a role in heart health. Friends: As a chef with years of experience, I want to share some personal notions about treating fats in my diet.…

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Ask Chef Walter: How to make Zeppole – Chef Walter Potenza

{Images are proprietary courtesy of Scialo Bakery, Federal Hill, Providence} HOW TO MAKE ZEPPOLE  Friends: The Feast of Saint Joseph, held on March 19th yearly, is very near and dear to Italian culture and tradition. “La Festa di San Giuseppe” honors Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary and adoptive father of Jesus, as patron saint of…

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Ask Chef Walter: Stressful dinner decisions – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer How to manage work stress, and family meals, without losing your mind. Friends: Ginette L, from the lovely Sapulpa, OK., had a question about dinner decisions and the stress associated with the idea of constantly having an idea. Being an adult can be challenging. With deadlines, meetings, and the…

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Ask Chef Walter: Is frozen food good? – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer How to make the most out of frozen foods while saving money, time and effort.  Friends: Pauline Z. from Ocean Ridge, Florida, recently asked me about the use of frozen food—whether it’s safe, how it affects quality, and if it compromises taste. Freezing is one of the best preservation methods,…

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The Super Bowl Feast – Chef Walter Potenza

SuperBowl teams

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer. Photos courtesy Chef Potenza A taste of America, from sea to shining sea. So grab a plate, get comfy, and dig into the deliciousness of America this Super Bowl Sunday! Friends: The Super Bowl is a championship American football game, but to many, it is a cultural phenomenon that assembles…

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