Arancini Recipe by Strada Italiano Asheville

When we think appetizers, we want something from the Homeland. Something our ancestors have made for many generations. We want a taste of Italy and a piece of history. Arancini originated in Sicily Italy in the 10th century and the family has been eating it ever since. The name actually came from "Arancina" which means "little orange" & this is because of  the size, shape and color of this delicious dish.

Our course you can add your homemade spices to complement the mix, but Arancini is not hard at all to make. The ingredients you will need are:

1lb cooked risotto (rice)
1/4 cup caramelized onion
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ball fresh mozzarella med dice
5 eggs
1.5 cups seasoned flour
2 cups Panko bread crumbs


Use a mixing bowl: mix the rice, onions, salt and pepper, when incorporated portion and form into two ounce balls. Push your finger half way through each ball and insert a piece of fresh mozzarella, close and reform the ball. In three stages, bread the balls first with flour, then egg mixture, and finally the Panko bread crumbs. Deep fry the Arancini at 350 for about three to four minutes. Mangia!!

You can make this dish at home, or visit Strada Italiano in downtown Asheville.. & Chef Anthony Cerrato will make some Arancini just for you.

You can also find @StradaAsheville on Twitter and Strada Asheville on Facebook.
27 Broadway Street, Aasheville NC 28801 - Phone: 828.348.8448

Bread Talks in Asheville North Carolina

Bread is a key ingredient in so many of our lives. Whether you are making a sandwich, having a cracker, or eating a slice of bread with your meal; it is a huge part of our daily diet. Add an Italian twist to that, with the finest ingredients you can find, and your bread actually begins to talk big!

Strada Asheville is now offering a vast selection of fresh baked bread, made on site, which you can stop by and pick up anytime during normal business hours. The breads we offer are the real deal. So real, that we are now supplying many other foodie establishments in the area.

An Italian bread bakery is what many in the area have been asking for and we have now delivered. Strada offers a great lunch, fine dinner entrees, a wonderful Sunday brunch, delicious desserts, a full bar with plenty of seating, a practical children's menu, and now some of the best bread right here in downtown Asheville NC. 

Chef Anthony Cerrato is behind this 100%, and when it comes to food, going above and beyond is what he is used to. We have a standard to exceed, not only in Asheville, but around the World. Our Italian ancestors expect only the best! We invite you to check out our bread selection. Strada is located at 27 Broadway Street. Come by, walk in the door, and our fresh baked breads are to the right in a display case.

You can also find Strada Asheville on Twitter @StradaAsheville and Facebook.

Photos by Ryan - Sociable Influence

Chef Anthony expands his repertoir!

Many of you may have heard by now that our beloved Chef Anthony will be moving his interests to 27 Broadway, directly next to Sazerac. He will be leaving the family business to start his own legacy. Look for the change sometime in March or beginning of April. Fiore's has come to an end, but we are very excited for him and support him 100%. We know that the public will as well. The name of the restaurant is Strada and you can expect a subtle tribute to Italy :) He will still cook his famous traditional Italian cooking so have no fear for those of you who love our Tuscan stuffed figs or our housemade bread and pastries. The bakery will be an onsite bakery and will feature different breads daily which will be available for purchase so you can have your own little taste of Italy at home.

Fiore's comes out with NEW FALL MENU!

The transition from summer fun, time at the beach or the pool, and vacations can be a bummer because it means more time inside and at work. We would like to help ease the pain of the cold. While we will say our goodbyes to more seasonal dishes (as well as the warm weather) we welcome in new ones that will make their debut with us. This fall and winter we will give you something to look forward to. Come spend an authentic Tuscan inspired evening with us and enjoy our seafood steamer pot which features clams, mussels, shrimp, crab and other fish from Asheville's own Blue Water Seafood. For those of you who do not enjoy seafood we have something for you too. Our braised beef short ribs with local roma tomato jam is a plate to be guarded from your dinner company. It is guaranteed to satisfy all! And last but not least in our fall menu sneak peek is something truly amazing. If you have a sweet tooth this is definitely for you. All of you who love our tiramisu don't worry, we will always have it. For those of you who cannot partake in such joys of life because of gluten intolerance look no further. We will have a gluten free tiramisu!! Since we are gluten free certified don't worry or feel guilty about indulging. We always have your best interest in mind. If that doesn't make you warm and fuzzy inside and excited about the season change we don't know what will. You can expect to see these new menu items next week!! We look forward to seeing you and don't forget to come in and enjoy our current menu before its gone!

Asheville - welcome the Seasonal School of Culinary Arts

Great foodie events happening in the Asheville area July 10th - 16th, 2011. The Seasonal School of Culinary Arts has a week long culinary experience in the area that you do not want to miss. Fiore's is proud to be a part of it.

Asheville Restaurant Reviews

Fiore's has gathered a few of our recent restaurant reviews to share with you. It is always encouraging, after working so hard in the kitchen; to have great folks like you leave awesome reviews about our restaurant. We are a local, family run dining establishment and we do everything in our power to make your experience memorable. Of course, if you have any suggestions, please let us know. Thank you.

"We celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary in Asheville and decided to eat at Fiore's... first time we have eaten there. It was the most delicious pizza I have ever tasted! No wonder it won 1st place in Asheville!"   -Shari J.

"We celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary tonight with dinner at Fiore's! First time we've eaten there. The food was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!!! And the service was impeccable! I've already posted pics and comments on my facebook page!!!"   -Cyndi P.

"The GF pizza is to die for! Sooooooo good!"   -Kim

"Three reasons to eat there: they support our community; they have some of the best food in Asheville; & they have great staff."   -Get Equal NC

***Fiore's also has a restaurant location in South Asheville.

To wheat or not to wheat...

A long time tradition of Fiore's has been to recognize different dietary needs and limitations. We believe we have something to offer everyone. Unfortunately for some it is significantly more difficult to know that the food was prepared accordingly. Since we opened over five years ago we have offered gluten free and vegetarian options. As of last weekend we are now CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE at both locations!!! Chef/owner Anthony Cerrato went through extensive training and not only did he pass the test...he Aced it! It was to his advantage that he has been cooking gluten free food for longer than he cares to mention. We offer gluten free pasta, sauces, pizza, and are working on expanding the gluten free menu. On top of offering those dishes at both locations, we sell them in the grab-n-go market at Fiore's South. We are now carrying gluten free pastries from our own bakery for those of you with a sweet tooth. If you think you may have a gluten problem you should come in and try our  great food. Symptoms can range anywhere from a rash to physical illness. Check out http://www.celiaccentral.org/ for more information. Rest assured gluten intolerant population, our food will make you feel great!