Downtown Italian

Book excerpt: Italian-inspired dishes, drinks, and desserts from three top Manhattan restaurateurs: “I can vouch for the soul-satisfying deliciousness of all of these.” —Anita Lo, chef and author of Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One Amid the cobblestoned streets and picturesque brownstones of New York’s charming West Village, three dynamic young restaurateurs have created some of the most inventive and delicious Italian-inspired cuisine in a city world-famous for its Italian food. Now the drinks and dishes that have inspired fanatical loyalty among customers of dell’anima, L’Artusi, L’Apicio and Anfora—including Charred Octopus with Chicories, Impromptu Tiramisu, and a sparking Roasted Orange Negroni Sbagliato—are accessible to home cooks in the first cookbook from executive chef Gabriel Thompson, pastry chef Katherine Thompson, and beverage director Joe Campanale. Gabe Thompson’s antipasti, pastas, main courses, and side dishes emphasize simplicity and deep flavor, using the freshest ingredients, creative seasonings, and the occasional unexpected twist—in such dishes as Sweet Corn Mezzaluna and Chicken al Diavolo. Katherine Thompson’s desserts are both inspired and downright homey, running the gamut from a simple and sinful Bittersweet Chocolate Budino to the to-die-for Espresso-Rum Almond Cake with Caramel Sauce, Sea Salt Gelato, and Almond Brittle. And all are paired with thoughtfully chosen wines and ingenious Italian-inspired cocktails—Blame it on the Aperol, anyone?—by Joe Campanale, one of the most knowledgeable young sommeliers in New York City.