Chef Allison Fasano is known for creating regional Italian dishes with a twist. "Food and laughter are what I'm after" is her motto when it comes to cooking, which explains how her passion and dynamic personality landed her a role in some of the most exciting culinary scenes in NYC. She was Bobby Flay's sous chef at Gato and worked in Michelin star restaurants like Lidia and Joe Bastianich's Del Posto.
Born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where she cooked alongside her father (who inspired her passion for Italian cuisine), Fasano had already realized she wanted to become a chef at just 11 years old when she watched the Food Network for the first time. Little did she know, a few years later she would also appear on the Food Network’s hit shows Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped – which is how it all began.
Fasano studied the culinary arts abroad in Calabria, Italy where she specialized in regional Italian cuisine. During her experience of studying her own roots, she had the incredible opportunity to get to know the locals and hear the stories of each region, which is why today she thrives on creating regional Italian dishes that tell a story – creating layers of bold organic and rustic flavors where every dish focuses on one main ingredient as the star of the show.
Back in 2017, Chef Fasano joined Urbani Truffles as one of their resident chefs, where she became a true expert on the subject. And since truffles happen to be in peak season, she decided to share her wisdom on such a precious Italian delicacy with us.
What are truffles, exactly?
“Truffles are edible fungi, like mushrooms, grown in calcareous soils near the roots of broad-leaved trees, such as oaks or hazelnut trees. They are intensely aromatic, adding a unique, unmatched aroma and flavor to any dish.”
On different types of truffles:
“Winter black truffles grow from November through January in the Alba-Piedmont region of Italy and France. White truffles grow from September through the end of January, though the season can shift year to year and has been known to be shorter at times. The coveted Italian winter white truffles grow only in the Alba and Piedmont regions.”
How do you find truffles?
“Truffles are hunted with specially trained dogs because they grow so deep in the ground and they are incredibly hard to find. Thanks to the very sensitive noses of these animals, chefs across the globe have access to this exquisite, pungent, decadent ingredient, which can elevate any dish with just a sprinkle or shaving of it. Truffles tend to always grow in the same spots which are fiercely guarded by truffle hunters. They are both wild and natural, so they can’t be cultivated. Because they are so rare and unpredictable, they can be quite expensive, with extreme prices varying from week to week.”
On storing truffles:
“Truffles do not have a short shelf life and if they are carefully stored, they can stay fresh for 1-2 weeks. They should be individually wrapped in paper towels and then placed in an airtight container to store them in the refrigerator.”
On incorporating truffles in Italian cuisine:
“Truffles are considered to be rare culinary diamonds and they impart their exquisite flavors to any dish, enhancing the natural essence of whatever ingredients they accompany. Shaved or cooked, it's an intense experience your palate will never forget!”