Chef Chuck's Fiorentina Steak

Bistecca Fiorentina


Reservations only, we just returned from our trip to Italy, and what an amazing trip it was. From Brescia to Milan, Florence and the Amalfi coast, everyday was an adventure. I was on a local and national television station promoting the foods of the Brescia area, and my love for Italy. We traveled to find the best steak in the world, in Tuscany. We really did need reservations to purchase this 3 inch thick beauty, but with our sweet talking the butcher, Dario, agreed over a glass of Chianti. This steak is a famous dish of the Tuscan region, specifically from the Chianina cow, a white cow, dated back to the 800's. Like no other meat it was superior, so tender and flavorful, it melted in our mouths! If you don't like rare meat this recipe is not for you. A meal fit for the noble ones.


Fiorentina Steak


1 fiorentina steak
3 inches thick
salt and pepper


Heat pan to a searing heat, cook steak for 5 minutes on each side, then stand up on bone and cook an additional 15 minutes, season with salt and pepper.

Chef Chuck's Arancini

The word "arancini", in Italy, actually means little oranges! Arancini are an ancient treasure found all over Italy. These wonderful bundles of flavor have been around for over 1,000 years. Traditional arancini were made cone shaped, although I make mine into little balls. Enjoy as a tasty antipasto or snack.

Arancini are made with arborio rice do to its high starch content that releases slowly to make a cream risotto.

Ancient Arancini Recipe

1 cup arborio rice
4 cups stock (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano
mozzarella cubes and pea's
vegetable oil for frying
salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for about 2 minutes. Add rice and stir in for 3 minutes. Slowly add stock and about 1/3 cup at a time until all liquid is gone. This may take about 20-25 minutes. Stir in butter, salt, pepper, and cheese. At this time you can add any sort of fillers (I suggest using one or two of these: mozzarella, peas, proscuitto, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, parsley, etc.) Transfer to a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Add 1 beaten egg. Form rice balls. You may press a small filling into the center. Coat with flour, shaking off any excess and then dip into beaten egg, followed by breadcrumbs. Heat oil for frying (350 degrees) and fry in small batches. Drain in paper towels and ENJOY!