SOBEWFF Lunch with Bertolli Olive Oil and Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani

Bertolli Olive Oil Products

Chef Fabio Viviani

The number one olive oil brand in the world, Bertolli Olive Oil, hosted an intimate media lunch during the South Beach Wine & Food Festival at Casa Tua in Miami Beach, featuring celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani. Italian Chef Viviani, who is well known for appearing on Season 5 of Bravo's reality series Top Chef in 2008 and earning the "Fan Favorite" title, is as charismatic in person as he is talented in the kitchen. After his appearance on the show, Viviani returned in 2010 to compete in the Top Chef All Stars Edition as well as the spinoff culinary reality show, Life After Top Chef. Other T.V. appearances include Good Morning America, The Talk, The Chew, Ellen and Access Hollywood.

With Chef Fabio Viviani

Viviani's world famous meatballs

Orachitte with Amatriciana Sauce

After spending an afternoon indulging in Viviani's dishes and listening to his humoristic take on cooking, it is easy to see why he is such a popular chef. He has a natural talent in the kitchen and a gift for creating both flavorful and healthy dishes. We got the opportunity to bite into his world famous Meatballs (they have their own Twitter account) and the chance to sample a Whole Wheat Pasta Orachitte with Amatriciana Sauce that was unbelievable. Viviani was clear in why he thought his meaty treats were so popular. "Italians have the key to meatballs". I agree. Throughout his culinary demonstration, he provided tips for us to take home to our kitchens. For example, according to Viviani, a good "pinch" is 3 fingers' worth. Then he added, "Italians like to pinch." Did I mention I plan to move to Italy someday?

Viviani likes to use Bertolli Olive Oil in his creations. Bertolli produces a wide selection of olive oils and cooking sprays that can be used in any recipe. It is currently being sold in more than 40 countries and has been around for more than 150 years. The consistent quality of the oils, and the variety of flavor intensities available, gave Viviani's dishes a distinct touch. Personally, I loved the Classico the most.


As the afternoon came to a close, and we got ready to head out to more SOBEWFF events, we couldn't help but be wowed by Viviani's impressive story. By the time he was 27, he owned and operated five restaurants in Italy. After feeling a need for change, he moved to California and opened Cafe Firenze in Moonpark and soon after, Firenze Osteria in North Hollywood. Just last year in February, Viviani opened a third restaurant called Siena Taverna in Chicago, which has been very well received in the foodie city. So much so, that he is currently planning to open another Siena Taverna at the end of the year, right here in Miami Beach in the old China Grill space on 5th and Washington Avenue. Woo Hoo. I can't wait. In the meantime, we can try to duplicate some of these Italian and Mediterranean flavors at home by using Bertolli Olive Oil. Remember to pinch.  For more information, visit their website.