Insalata Caprese

 A delightfully refreshing salad that can also work very well as an appetizer.  This is a fantastic vegetarian alternative as well.  Fresh, tender mozzarella makes the difference here.

Ingredients

One chilled mozzarella ovaline (about 4 oz)

One large ripe tomato

5-6 large leaves of fresh basil - washed in cool water

about 4 tbs extra virgin olive oil

about 4 tbs balsamic vinegar (optional)

salt

Tools

Wire cheese slicer

Sharp knife

Using a wire cheese slicer, slice the fresh mozzarella ovaline into 7-8 slices about 1/4 inch thick.  Using a sharp knife, slice one ripe tomato into thick slices cut into halves.

On an oval plate (preferably chilled), alternate slices of the mozzarella and tomato - overlapping one onto another - until all mozzarella is used.  Tear 4-5 large basil leaves into pieces and sprinkle over top.  Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and salt to taste.  For a bit of extra zest drizzle with balsamic vinegar and add freshly ground pepper.  Garnish with a beautiful basil leaf.  Serves 2-3 people.

The Magical Melodies of the Mandolinista

Egidio "Jimmy" Faiella was born and raised in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania in the United States of America. This American-Italian mandolinista only knows of Old World Italy through his childhood memories of visiting his grandparents.  Although he's never been to Italy, he vividly remembers beautiful Italian melodies from his childhood days... when he was a little boy, he actually thought everyone's grandpa played the mandolin!  Young Egidio was captured by the beautiful sounds of the mandolin and fell deeply in love with the music he heard because music was surely in his blood!

Like many children and grandchildren of Italian decent, Egidio was born and raised on American culture and music.  Egidio makes it clear, "I've literally recorded and produced many different styles of music throughout my life and I can honestly say that NOTHING remotely compares to the feelings I experience when I play my mandolin... I close my eyes and feel like a little boy again all over again... It's the GREATEST feeling!"

Join Jimmy (Edigio) at Nonni's as he strolls from table to table playing the hauntingly mandoline.  The elegant atmosphere, the outstanding Italian cuisine, and this wonderful mandolinista are a fantastic combination.