Welcome to Vinny's Cafe, where we bring the rich flavors of Italy right to the heart of Baltimore, Maryland. At Vinny's Cafe, we believe the key to authentic Italian pasta sauce lies in its simplicity and quality of its ingredients. True Italian pasta sauce is not about complexity or an overload of ingredients. It's about letting a few high-quality ingredients shine through.
You can’t make authentic Italian pasta sauce without actual Italian tomatoes, San Marzano Tomatoes to be exact. These tomatoes are grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius. This volcanic soil produces tomatoes sweeter and less acidic than other varieties, giving the sauce a rich and balanced flavor.
Without EVOL (extra virgin olive oil) it’s not authentic. For this one you don’t need a specific type of olive grown by volcanic soil, but you do need to make sure it’s of good quality. A good EVOL should smell and taste green, bright, peppery, earthy, grassy, or any combination of the like. This oil adds a depth of flavor and a silky texture to the sauce.
Used sparingly, fresh garlic provides a robust, aromatic base for the sauce. You’re free to add as much garlic as you’d like, but it will overpower the dish. You won’t be able to taste the sweet tomatoes or any of the other fresh herbs used. Sautéing it to perfection in olive oil will help release its natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
Speaking of fresh herbs, the main 2 are basil and oregano. Basil adds a sweet, peppery touch, while oregano brings a hint of earthiness. These herbs are added towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their vibrant flavors.
Simple seasonings like sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are used to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients without overwhelming them. Freshly ground black pepper is more aromatic and flavorful then pre-ground.
Last but most importantly not least, Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese. No Italian dish is complete without it! Its aging process is what sets it apart from other parmesan cheeses. Aging it longer specifically gives this cheese it’s rich flavor and granular texture.
At Vinny's Cafe, we take pride in preserving the authenticity of Italian cuisine. Every dish we serve is a tribute to the culinary traditions of Italy, crafted with love and care. Our pasta sauce is a testament to this commitment. It’s made with the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques transporting you straight to Italy with every bite. Come and experience the true taste of Italy at Vinny's Cafe in Baltimore, Maryland. Buon appetito!
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