FindEatDrink: Rustic Italian

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Edition: 26 October, 2011

"In the kitchen, my greatest aspiration is to take as few ingredients as possible, cook them perfectly, and make them sing."

Chef Marc Vetri

It's not just the ingredients singing, chefs like Bobby Flay, Mario Batali and Tom Colicchio praise chef Marc Vetri as "the best Italian cook working in America today." Vetri owns three restaurants in Philadelphia, and has a fourth opening soon. On November first, Vetri will release his second cookbook, Rustic Italian Food (pre-order the book here).

We asked chef Marc Vetri to give us the F.E.D. lowdown for Philly... and to share a recipe from his new cookbook.

FIND | What Food Markets Do You Love?

Rec: DI BRUNO BROTHERS

Why: I love it for their great cheese and for the real old school experience. You just gotta go to the original on South 9th Street in the Italian market.

Where: 930 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, T: 215.922.2876

EAT | Where would you take a visiting chef to eat in Philadelphia?

Rec: ZAHAV

Why: For modern Israeli food. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I would bring a visiting chef here to eat the hummus—it's just awesome.

Where: 237 St. James Place, Philadelphia, T: 215.625.8800 (make a reservation)

EAT | Where do the "locals" eat?

Rec: SILK CITY

Why: I like to sit in the garden. The blackened fish tacos are my favorite thing on the menu.

Where: 435 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, T: 215.592.8838