Ask Chef Walter: Churros in Madrid, Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with sugar, or thick chocolate, churros are more than just a snack—they are a cultural symbol of Spain’s rich culinary history, connecting the past with the present. Friends: My passion for soccer and food racing simultaneously took me to Madrid, Spain. While my reason for…

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Federal Hill Identity Crisis – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer The glorious second-oldest Italian immigration colony in North America struggles to reaffirm its dominance in the gastronomic palette of the state and nationally.  Friends: In the mid-1980s, as I prepared to open my first restaurant in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, a seasoned Jewish rabbi imparted wisdom that has stayed…

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Ask Chef Walter: The local butcher shop – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer, Chef Walter’s Cooking School Photos provided: Chef Walter When you walk into a family butcher shop, you are not just buying meat; you are becoming a member of that community where quality outshines convenience.  Friends: Well, living in small Rhode Island has some conveniences: the ocean nearby, beautiful greenery, great restaurants,…

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Ask Chef Walter: Paella Perfecta, with Chef Walter Potenza

paella

Paella Perfecta.  History, styles and the common mistakes to avoid, including some kitchen secrets and a recipe from Spain. Friends: Paella- the very sound of the word evokes a vision of the scorching coasts of Spain, the cacophony of street markets, and the aroma wafting of that savory, saffron-scented steam. This iconic creation from Valencia is perhaps…

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Ask Chef Walter: Why Italians eat lentils on New Year’s Eve – Walter Potenza

A man in white lab coat holding a box of meat.

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Photo: Chef Walter making cotechino in his kitchen Salve amici: For dinner, on New Year’s Eve try lentils with cotechino sausage. If you cannot find the cotechino in your local market, consider using good-quality sweet Italian sausage. Effortless to prepare, the combination will deliver superb taste and hopefully prosperity…

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Ask Chef Walter: It’s Hanukkah! Latkes and more – Walter Potenza

A table with candles and toys on it

It’s all about fried food for Hanukkah. But it doesn’t have to be just latkes Friends: The celebration of Chanukah represents a special moment for the Jewish community. It encompasses the story of a miracle and the profound meaning of spiritual resilience. Although it is a holiday of Jewish origin, Chanukah is part of the…

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Ask Chef Walter: Bocconotto from Abruzzo – Walter Potenza

A cupcake with powdered sugar on top of it.

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer BOCCONOTTO FROM ABRUZZO Almond, coffee, and chocolate in a pastry cup. Simply divine. Made during the Christmas season, it would be sinful not to have them throughout the year. Friends: My journey in search of the Christmas sweets of Italy’s regional traditions took me back to Abruzzo, where I…

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Ask Chef Walter: Pinoli Biscotti – Chef Walter Potenza

Two trays of cookies are on a counter.

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Friends: One of the most popular cookies to make for the holidays is Biscotti ai Pinoli, or pignoli cookies. They originate from the deep-seated Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisines, more precisely from Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. These regions pride themselves on a long tradition of sweets made with…

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