Autumn isn’t quite here yet, but you can feel it getting closer.
The days are still warm, but the evenings are beginning to change. Before long, the leaves will start turning, the air will become a little crisper, and our appetites will begin making that familiar shift from the lighter flavors of summer to the warm, comforting foods of fall.
At Nocella’s, we’re already getting excited.
For a chef, every change of season brings new inspiration. And autumn might be one of our favorite seasons to cook.
A Different Kind of Appetite
There comes a point every September when you start thinking less about summer food and more about a bowl of fresh pasta, a slowly simmered sauce or something braised for hours until it becomes fork tender.
That’s the anticipation of autumn.
Soon, mushrooms, squash, apples, figs, roasted vegetables and other fall ingredients will begin finding their way into kitchens and onto dinner tables.
It’s the season for Bolognese bubbling slowly on the stove, creamy risotto, homemade gnocchi, braised meats and hearty Italian dishes that seem to taste just a little better when there’s a chill in the air.
A Little Taste of What’s Coming…
We don’t want to give away everything we’re working on just yet, but we’ll give you a little hint.
We’ve been thinking about fresh butternut squash ravioli, paired with brown butter, sage and Parmigiano, and a slow-braised beef short rib perfect for one of those first cool autumn evenings.
And there may be a few more surprises coming from the kitchen.
That’s the fun of cooking with the seasons. Sometimes the best dishes begin with an ingredient that looks particularly good that week and a chef asking, “What can we do with this?”
We’re Already Thinking About Fall
Here at Nocella’s, changing seasons give us a chance to have some fun in the kitchen.
We’re already thinking about the flavors of autumn and the seasonal dishes and specials we can bring to our guests as the weather begins to change.
The seasons give us new ingredients, new ideas and sometimes a reason to bring back an old favorite.
And fall gives us plenty to work with.
Something to Look Forward To
Autumn also brings us back to the table.
Cooler evenings make you want to slow down a little. Open a bottle of wine. Order something warm. Tear off a piece of Italian bread and enjoy dinner without being in such a hurry.
That’s the kind of dining we love at Nocella’s.
So while autumn hasn’t officially arrived just yet, we’re getting ready—and getting hungry just thinking about it.
In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for our first fall specials and a few new dishes inspired by the season.
Bring your favorite bottle of wine, bring your appetite, and come see what we’re cooking as summer slowly gives way to fall.
Autumn is almost here. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been cooking up.
Buon appetito,
Nocella’s Kitchen