UN ASSAGGIO D’INVERNO

At Bossi Restaurant

What inspired Bossi Italian Restaurant’s winter menu this year? Winter is synonymous with comfort food for me. Italian cuisine offers an array of comforting dishes - from creamy pastas and hearty sauces to hot sandwiches and moorish meat dishes. Growing up in a large Italian family, we were always sharing food in the family home, it was, and is, our love language. Our offering at Bossi is inspired by my Nonna and all those wonderful recipes and experiences with food.

Can you share some highlights from the new winter menu?

Our new winter menu is heroed by the most delicious Culurgiones; pasta dumplings filled with potato and gorgonzola and served with a porcini cream sauce. They have been a Bossi stable since day one, and by popular demand, we’re bringing back the OG recipe that debuted on our opening menu!

We’ll also be bringing back a few other favourites to the Bossi menu this winter, including Lamb Maltagliati - a rich, slow cooked pasta dish that Chef serves up in a delightfully generous portion. Maltagliati means ‘poorly cut’ - so the pasta is all sorts of shapes.

Is there a memorable Italian dish your Mother or Grandmother cooked when growing up?

My Nonna - who is our muse for Bossi - would make a Beef Ragu with fresh pasta including herbs from the garden. This dish will also be on the menu this winter and has one ingredient that is a secret to our family. Sorry but my lips are sealed! You’ll just have to come and try it for yourself.

How does Bossi incorporate seasonal ingredients into its winter dishes? Freshness and seasonality is really important to us at Bossi. We get all our greens and veg delivered fresh daily, allowing us to select the best seasonal options to offer our diners each day.

Everything at Bossi is homemade on-site - from our breads and pasta to the layers of our tiramisu and sauces, everything! Even our limoncello is crafted in-house! We pride ourselves on preparing everything fresh and homemade, without relying on any pre-made ingredients.

Are there any special events or promotions planned for winter dining at Bossi?

We’ll be celebrating Carnevale, a winter festival inspired by Italy’s festive Mardi Gras that pays homage to Bacchus, the god of wine. This year, we’re bringing Carnevale to Kiwi during our NZ winter instead - stay tuned for more details!

Can you recommend some perfect wine pairings for winter dishes on the menu?

We have three mouth-watering dishes perfect for the colder months. Our Pappardelle Al Ragù Di Cinghiale (Pappardelle with wild pork ragu) pairs beautifully with Nero D’Avola, an ideal match for hearty meat dishes. For our Braciola (involtini), a rolled beef roulade with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and pine nuts in a rich tomato sauce served with creamy polenta and taleggio, we recommend the aromatic Spelt Montepulciano. Finally, our Gnocchi alla porcini, potato dumplings with mushroom and pecorino cream, pairs wonderfully with a fruity Chianti Peppoli.

Are there any unique culinary techniques or cooking methods employed in the winter menu preparations?

Winter cooking for us is all about traditional, slow cooked, comfort food. Think soups, stews, and polenta - heartwarming meals bursting with flavour. We take our time with each dish and sauce, allowing them to simmer and develop rich depths of taste through care and patience.

What does winter look like in your household?

Creating a cozy ambiance with candles is a must for me, although I enjoy them year-round. Funnily enough I gravitate toward the same colour palette as Bossi - forest green, maroon, brown, rust - all reminiscent of winter themes. Bossi embodies the essence of winter. We want it to feel like an extension of your home.

bossi.co.nz