Al Dente's Summer Extension
Like most of Melbourne this week, we're making the most of this glorious weather! And what better way to do so than by hosting a bbq, in the warm evening air, grilling arrosticini!!! Rather than making our own, this week we've teamed up with our good friends from Abruzzo Lab in Epping (best arrosticini in Melbourne, of course) to bring you their classic Lamb Arrosticini, and some of our herby, salty salsa verde to serve alongside it. Bloody buonissimo!
Weekly Specials
Condiments, Spices
Staples
Cacio e Pepe will remain a staple in our home, and in yours. A simple pecorino and pepper fonduta is folded into golden semolina pasta to create a signature dish that we're sure you're going to love. NOTE: Our Tortellini Cacio e Pepe doesn't come with a sauce included, but we recommend you purchase our Burnt Butter & Sage as an accompaniment!
We're happily obsessed with making soft gnocchi that taste like potato not flour. These heavenly pillows don’t need a complex sauce - a little tomato, a drizzle of oil, a grating of cheese and dinner is done. Another option is a burnt butter, garlic and sage sauce. Of course, they are lovely with our lamb ragu too! You can serve the gnocchi simply boiled or lightly pan fry once cooked. FRESHLY FROZEN
When we make our slow-cooked ragu, the whole kitchen is infused with warm, comforting aromas. We are so excited for you to have the same experience. We use lamb shoulder because it falls apart after slow cooking, plus a little tomato, red wine and herbs.
Simple is best when it comes to Italian food and it doesn’t come simpler or better than our rich napoli, with the natural sweetness of tomatoes, onions and a touch of garlic and basil. It’s great with any of our pastas.
This is a traditional bolognese made with beef for body and flavour and pork for sweet softness. It's slow-cooked to meld the flavours properly just like nonna would do.
Italians know that simple often means best - this burnt butter and sage sauce is the perfect herby, toasty dressing for filled pasta. You can also let it melt over grilled meats or potatoes for a luxe finish.
Our Chilli oil is simple and very effective. Great to add an extra kick to any tomato based pasta sauce, or to drizzle a little over a good woodfired pizza. We've been loving it on our bacon & eggs in the morning, too!
Aged for a minimum of 9 months, the origin of Grana Padano dates back to the Cistercian monks of the Chiaravalle Abbey. From the polders of northern Italy, the cheese is produced with milk from free-range cows that are let to graze on fresh forage and silage. Full-bodied, this hard cheese delivers a savoury and nutty touch with a dense and somewhat flaky texture. Creamy, mild and with a lingering aftertaste, it can be enjoyed on its own or as an accoutrement to your dish. A heritage unmatched by most cheeses, Grana Padano is in a class of its own, unique in nuances of both taste and texture.
Preserved Fish, Caviar
These Pepus Mussels are grown on premium platforms and are selected by size. They are then fried in olive oil and prepared in a mild pickle. A delicious savory treat to have in the kitchen pantry.
These Clams are part of the Pepus range of Spanish preserved seafood, preserved in brine giving them a wonderful fresh taste of the sea. Serve them next time you are having champagne or with your favorite Aperitivo.