This recent MemoriaI day weekend, I returned to Montreal to visit my friend Michele Forgione at his restaurant Osteria Venti. He serves Italian food at its simplest; no fussy garnishes or spiraling towers. Taste is the key to the regional food here.

Michele and I met the same time last year at a dinner he hosted with Chef Sarah Jenkins of Porsena and Porchetta. This visit I spent more time in Montreal's kitchens, eating and observing.

Grazie Fratello!