Patricia Wells' Trattoria: Simple and Robust Fare Inspired by the Small Family Restaurants of Italy

by Patricia Wells, Steven Rothfeld

Whether it's a bustling eatery in the heart of Florence or a tiny alcove tucked away on a side street in Venice, the trattoria is where Italians go for robust flavors, great friendship, and good times. Patricia Wells' Trattoria now feeds America's passion for Italian food with 150 authentic recipes. Savor a Fresh Artichoke Omelet, succulent Lamb Braised in White Wine, Garlic, and Hot Peppers, a hearty portion of Lasagne with Basil, Garlic, and Tomato Sauce, or a luscious Fragrant Orange and Lemon Cake, and much more. This essential cookbook of Italian trattorias presents a full range of homemade recipes for antipasti, soups, dried and fresh pastas, polenta, seafood, poultry, and meat, with special chapters on breads, pizzas, and desserts. Come explore the heart and soul of Italian cooking in Patricia Wells' Trattoria.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Italian Literature, Nonfiction, Italy, Reference

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Patricia Wells (born 5 November 1946 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is a cookbook author and teacher who divides her time between Paris and Provence. Her book Patricia Wells at Home in Provence (1996) won the James Beard Award for Best International Cookbook. Wells is the only American and the only woman to be a restaurant critic for a major French publication, L'Express (1988–1991). She was also a restaurant critic for the International Herald Tribune from 1980 until 2007.

Reviews

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this cookbook pretty regularly. It's full of recipes where it takes longer for me to cook the pasta that it does to make the sauce. Most of the recipes use fairly common ingredients that I can find in our small-town grocery stores with few problems. I love the penne with vodka sauce and the pasta with eggplant and mozzarella.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite cookbook of all time and I wish I had it in hardcover because it is falling apart. It is accessible, authentic, and I LOVE the little stories about why she's chosen each take on a classic or where she was inspired/discovered a new and amazing combination. I have never made anything from this book that didn't come out amazing.

[Citoyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasonable, fairly simple, and occasionally vegetarian. I am a fan.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real treat.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

recipes usually involve less than 10 ingredients. very easy to use and food tastes complex. try the sun dried tomato pesto w rosemary and other herbs.

[Happyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very quick and easy apps including an amazing easy and delicious goat cheese spread.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually one of my favorite cookbooks right now. The risotto recipes are wonderful.

[Carol Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cookbook! It's full of simple, delicious Italian recipes.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice layout. Some tasty recipes. Pretty simple stuff.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal cookbook. I highly recommend the Tagliarini with Lemon Sauce. Add shrimp.

[Richard J.]

My favorite cookbook. Especially the “Lake Garda Cake” I make it frequently.