Ciao, Brooklyn!
Basilicata, a region in the south of Italy, brought some major flavor to the borough last month as chefs Mario Demuro and Battista Guastamacchia, whipped up some classic dishes from their native town, right in the heart of Carroll Gardens at Marco Polo Ristorante (345 Court Street).
The tasting, held on December 10, is a way for patrons and Brooklynites from all over to be introduced to the food and products of the Basilicata region of Italy.
“The introduction includes a lot of homemade products like pasta, extra virgin oil, a lot of different cheeses, marmalade, olives, pistachios, potatoes, hot peppers and pepperoni,” explained Joe Chirico, owner of Marco Polo. “We had about 80 people here that night to taste all of the products and we had some wine also.”
The second tasting featuring the food of Basilicata to take place at the restaurant, last year being the inaugural event, patrons were able to take a little taste of Italy home with them, and preview some new and exotic menu items.
“[It was] excellent, the products and the chefs,” Chirico said.