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Fourth dish is a meticulously crafted meat ravioli.
This recipe comes from a cherished lesson I learned in Piedmont, under the guidance of a chef's mother at a storied family-owned restaurant.
If you direct your attention to the photograph adorning the rear wall, you'll glimpse a moment frozen in time, capturing the restaurant's matriarch, affectionately known as Mama, immersing herself in the joy of ravioli preparation.
Despite gentle protests from her family about her age, they unanimously agree, no one fills ravioli quite like Mama.
A ravioli's filling is a hearty blend of pork, beef, and rabbit, each meat selected for its distinctive flavor profile, then ground together to create a filling that is rich and deeply satisfying.
Accompanying the ravioli is a traditional butter sauce, enriched with sage.
This sage, along with the rosemary baked into our bread, comes straight from my mother's garden in Yokohama, a personal touch that bridges my culinary journey from Italy back to Japan.
Ravioli, in its essence, is a celebration of pasta's versatility, varying from region to region within Italy.
In Piedmont, the crown jewel is Agnolotti d'Alpline, whereas Tuscany boasts its own array of styles, such as Faganini and Tortellini.
In crafting our ravioli, I aim for dough that is thin yet resilient, ensuring it doesn't tear during the cooking process but remains tender enough to yield the perfect bite, akin to a well-made dumpling.
A special mention goes to Tortellini and Brodo, a festive dish traditionally savored during the Christmas season in Italy, marrying the delicate flavors of castrated chicken in a clear, savory broth, reminiscent of the warmth and comfort found in dumplings.
While rabbit may be synonymous with French cuisine to some, it is equally esteemed in Italy, commonly available and enjoyed in much the same way chicken is in Japan.
Its unique flavor and texture add a distinctive depth to our ravioli.
My culinary journey in Italy also offered profound lessons in diversity and inclusion.
Particularly memorable was the respect shown by a restaurant owner to a Muslim staff member's dietary needs, a gesture of profound empathy and understanding.
Such experiences underscore the profound connection between the kindness we show to one another and the food we share.
Having been embraced by such warmth and generosity during challenging times, especially during an unexpected transition between jobs in Tuscany,
I've come to see these acts of kindness not just as personal blessings but as integral ingredients that infuse our dishes with love and care.
Tonight, as you enjoy this ravioli, know that it carries not just the flavors of Italy, but stories of compassion, family, and the enduring spirit of culinary tradition.