Today, I’m kicking off a brand-new series on the Mortadella Head blog called Ask the Chef. eries, I’ll chat with our expert Chuck Sillari, founder and owner of Mortadella Head restaurant in Davis Square, Somerville, Massachusetts.  I’ll dive into all of your burning cooking and recipe questions. Chuck will answer …

You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve gotten lost (not really, but you get it) wandering the aisles at Nordstrom just for a whiff of their bakery.  It’s like the retailer knows how to win me over with both fashion and food. And the source of that heavenly scent? Not …

Let me tell you something about the Cheesecake Factory. It isn’t just about their outrageous slice portions (although, let’s be honest, those are pretty amazing, too). Their salads are no joke, especially with that balsamic vinaigrette.  It’s more than just a dressing; it’s a whole culinary experience. I might sound …

When it comes to making seafood recipes, sometimes I feel as though fresh mussels are overlooked. A lot of people get intimidated when they see them at the grocery store, have no idea how to cook them, and walk away, opting to eat them only among restaurant food when going …

Even if you’re not of Italian descent, I can pretty much guarantee you’ve had some form of minestrone soup or pasta e fagioli before. These are two of my favorite soups, and are two delicious classic recipes from the heart of Italy. Both can be made using a ham bone …

Tired of the usual basil pesto? Here’s a delicious creamy pesto recipe that you should definitely try! I use it all the time and it’s never turned me down.  Meet: arugula pesto.  We all love a good genovese pesto made with fresh basil. Anyway, from time to time, you might …