We’re starting up the blog again with posts from one of our up-and-coming chefs. For those of you that do not know Chris Marchino, you will soon. Chris is Spiaggia’s executive sous chef and recently named one of Zagat’s 30 under 30 in Chicago. Chris has the passion for creating authentic Italian dishes that truly represent Italian culture, a quality we look for in all chefs at Spiaggia. I’m excited to announce that Chris will be discovering Italy up close and personal for the first time. He’ll be traveling around Tuscany from May 27 through June 3 for a special farm-to-table culinary tour led by Gourmet Destinations. They’ve invited him on this trip to meet face-to-face with farmers, artisans, and craftsmen who grow and create the Tuscan wines, cheeses, meats, truffles, olive oils, herbs and more that we love. Sounds like a great trip, no? If you’re interested, you can join Chris along with Italian culinary travel expert Jens Bauerle of Gourmet Destinations. The small, personalized tour leaves Chicago on May 27 with only room for 12. I encourage you to check it out and reserve your spot at gourmetdestinations.com.
Over the next few weeks, Chris will be sharing some of his thoughts prior to the trip and then what he experiences while in Tuscany. You can follow Chris’ happenings here on the Spi Blog and on Twitter @ChrisMarchino.