When paired with a well-balanced, flavorful sauce, no other food gives you that just-got-hugged-and-your-cheeks-pinched-by-grandma feeling quite like pasta. Now that the wind is infused with that telltale winter chill, there is all the more reason to seek out food that will make you warm and fuzzy from the inside out. If you want that feeling, or perhaps simply a crazy delicious Italian meal, look no further than Alla Famiglia sauce.
Located on East Warrington Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood, Alla Famiglia, simply meaning “The Family” in Italian, has one of the most sumptuous menus you will ever behold. From classics like calamari and filet mignon, and, naturally, oodles of mouth-watering pasta noodles, you’d be hard-pressed to find something that doesn’t make your tummy hungry.
But for those of us who like to hermit in our apartments when it gets chilly—there is hope. Alla Famiglia has started to sell their signature sauce at retailers around the city. This means that you can enjoy their delicious sauce whenever you wish, which may be dangerous—but we’re willing to take that chance. For more on the sauce, the restaurant, and some other tasty tidbits, we spoke with executive chef Jonathan Vlasic:
Maniac Magazine: How does the notion of family influence your menu and the way you present your dishes?
Jonathan Vlasic: Homemade scratch cooking utilizing fresh garden ingredients, simple preparations, solid technique, and passion.
MM: What experience do you want people have when they come to Alla Famiglia? What can they expect?
JV: An Alla Famiglia customer can expect exemplary service without pretension and genuine care from our friendly staff to deliver the best possible dining experience. We want the customer to feel like they are part of our family.
MM: How does your Roman heritage influence your cooking? Are there any dishes on the menu that are unique to Rome?
JV: Roman heritage has a large influence on our cooking. It all began with my grandfather who grew up in Patrica Lazio, which is 30 minutes south of Rome. Our house ground sausage recipe is from Patrica. Our famous smoked provolone appetizer with shaved black truffles is also from Rome. Also Emilia Romagna plays a large part in our cooking, which is where my grandmother was from. Homemade pastas, hand-pulled mozzarella, and delicious desserts come from the heartland of Italy. That is what Emilia Romagna stands for.
MM: You’ve been working on your sauce for years! At what point did you know that you had made it just right?
JV: We have been making the sauce in our family for the last 25 years…I guess we just got lucky!
MM: What advice can you give on how to make a really good homemade sauce?
JV: Layering the four different types of tomatoes is the key.
MM: What lead to the decision to release your sauce to retailers?
JV: It started with an overwhelming request from our clientele, and it is an amazing accomplishment to see our label in stores or people to enjoy every day!
MM: You have an extensive wine list at Alla Famiglia. What wines are staples in the Alla Famiglia kitchen?
JV: Our favorite wines are labels such as Antinori Marchesi Chianti Classico, Romana Dal Forno, Valpolicella, Planeta Santa Cecilia…and about one hundred others.
MM: You have an insanely tasty “holy oil” to dip your delicious breads in. Any chance we’ll see that in stores any time soon?
JV: We are working right now on developing the holy oil for retail. Hurdles with that product include, the fresh banana pepper and garlic which makes the product unstable for packing. But we are working through it. We are also working on a number of other products for our retail portfolio.
MM: How should someone feel after having a good Italian meal?
JV: Fat and happy!
If that sounds good to you, (how could it not?!) be sure to make a reservation and pop down to Alla Famiglia. If you’re in the city and want to try their sauce for yourself, check out The Pennsylvania Macaroni Company in the Strip, or the Shop N’ Save in Mt. Washington.
Visit www.allafamiglia.com for more on this incredible company (and family!) and their products.
