A recent comment on a social media post said that M’tucci’s was not “real Italian.” I started thinking about the term “real Italian”, especially as it pertains to food and beverages.
The definition of Italian cuisine casts a pretty big net. Italian cuisine is very much a regional cuisine. The traditional foods in Emilia - Romagna bear little resemblance to the typical food in Abruzzo or Puglia. A cook in Campania’s definition of Italian food is wildly different than what someone in Liguria considers thinks of as Italian food.
What is real Italian? Ferrari is a real Italian car. Campari and Barolo are real Italian beverages. Is M’tucci’s real Italian? Is any Italian restaurant in America, real Italian?
One of the wonders of eating in Italy is the simplicity of the dishes and the freshness and quality of the ingredients on the plate. With Italy’s mild Meditterranean climate, fertile volcanic soils, and verdant flood plains, Italy is one big garden/farm. At best, most Italian restaurants in the U.S. can only be inspired by the cuisine of Italy, even if they are close to great, small farms (think California),
The pastas at M’tucci’s, for example, are a mix of traditional Italian dishes and those inspired by the various regional specialities. Pasta all’ Arrabiata (M’tucci’s Italian and M’tucci’s Bar Roma) and Linguine Gricia (M’tucci’s Bar Roma) would be found in any home or restaurant in Rome. Our Five Pork Bolognese, served at all four locations, is based on the famous ragù from Emilia Romagna. One might think that Spaghetti & Meatballs is a classic Italian/American dish not normally found in Italy. You would be wrong. Pasta with Meatballs, made from a mix of beef, pork and veal, is very common in Aburzzo and Puglia.
The Mussels & Linguine at M’tucci’s Italian, would be found on menus in the rich bay area of Taranto along the southern coast between the “toe” and the “heel”. The Puglia coastline borders both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and both are terribly overfished. However, shellfish are a sustainable option and the area is famous for their mussels.
The Mare Aglio e Olio Pasta at M’tucci’s Bar Roma is ubiquitous in Venetian homes and restaurants. In fact, this dish would be found along any of Italy’s nearly 5,000 miles of coastline.
Chef Alberto Silva at M’tucci’s Italian served Lemon and Ricotta stuffed Ravioli as a Weekend Special recently. Never heard of it? It’s a classic, light summer pasta dish in Venice.
Even though I have visited Italy six times (a 7th trip is scheduled for October), I’m not concerned with what is “real” or “authentic”. I am always satisfied by the flavors of the traditional and contemporary dishes at all M’tucci’s. Our chefs and their teams work hard and with a great deal of creativity to bring you dishes that are from or are inspired by Italy, regardless of how “real” or “authentic” they may be.
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M’tucci’s Bar Roma mentioned in United Airline’s Hemispheres Magazine
Nice to mentioned with our Neighbors!
KRQE has created the Best of the Land of Enchantment Awards (BOLOE Awards)
Please Nominate M’tucci’s for Best Pizza
Nominations Open until 6/28 and Voting Begins 7/8
M’tucci’s Italian
Lobster & Shrimp Ravioli - Sautéed Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes, Capers, Asparagus, Lemon Cream Sauce, Saffron Breadcrumbs, Micro Greens $29
14 oz. Ribeye - Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Lemon, Balsamic Reduction $43
Pan-Seared Grouper - Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Grilled Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $33
Chestnut & Porcini Braised Flank Steak - Local Chestnut Mushrooms, Peas, Red Onions, Lemon Mushroom Risotto, Micro Greens, Braising Sauce $31
Weekend co*cktail
Sandia Sunset - El Tesoro Tequila, Fresh Lime & Orange Juices, Simple Syrup, Muddled Brandied Cherries, Plum Bitters
M’tucci’s Moderno
24 oz. Porterhouse - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Italian Salsa Verde $45
Pan-Seared Scallops - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce, Prosciutto Powder $39
Gnocchi with Beef Tips - Portabella Mushrooms, Shallots, Cacio Alfredo Sauce, Walnuts Gremolata $25
Braised Pork Ribs - Mascarpone Creamy Polenta, Corn, Sautéed Spinach, Calabrian Chile Sauce $23
Weekend co*cktail
Pink Daddy - Caravedo Mosto Verde Pisco, Ramazotti Aperitivo, Dolin Blanc Vermouth
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five
Dry-Rubbed 12 oz. NY Strip with Truffle Compound Butter - Pickled Garlic Scapes, Grilled Zucchini, Saltwater Potatoes, Red Bell Pepper & Onions, Feta, Pistachio Gremolata Crumbs $35
Pan-Seared Yellowtail - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Braised Greens, Artichoke Hearts, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $29
24 oz. Porterhouse - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Charred Broccolini, Creamy Horseradish Remoulade $45
Weekend co*cktail
I’m Just Old Fashioned - Russell’s Reserve Bourbon, Brown Sugar Simple Syrup, Black Walnut Bitters, Orange Bitters
M’tucci’s Bar Roma
Veal Ragù di Bianco - House Made Carrot-Filled Ravioli, Sautéed Red Onions, Red Chile Flakes, Parsley, Garlic, White Wine, Toasted Truffle Bread Crumbs $25
Pan-Seared White Sea Bass - Garlic Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Braised Arugula with Garlic, Seared Stem-on Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $33
Weekend co*cktail
Old Dadshioned - Old Forester, Fernet Branca, Honey Simple Syrup, Peychaud Bitters
Live Music for June
M’tucci’s Bar Roma - 6:30pm Wednesday & Noon Sunday
6/16 Gilbert Uribe
6/19 Javier Ortega
6/23 Myles Chavez
6/26 Shane Wallin
6/30 RJ Perez
M’tucci’s Moderno- 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday
6/14 Shane Wallin
6/20 Maiya Dominguez
6/21 Jacob Chavez
6/27 Gilbert Uribe
6/28 RJ Perez
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five - 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday
6/14 Matt Jones
6/20 Michael Rascon
6/21 Robb Janov
6/27 Shane Wallin
6/28 Myles Chavez
Thanks for reading. See you next Friday. Ciao!
