Vito has a burning passion for wine, chocolate, spices, and cooking and he always wants the “Best of the Best” for his creations. A native of Turin, Italy, “Don” Vito delights in exploring the rich cultural expressions of his own country and the world. He has been captivated by the many cuisines and cooking traditions he has encountered over the years that seem like true artistic expressions on the same level as fine arts like painting, sculpture, music, and dance.

Vito has also started a new forum named Vito's Ciao to talk about cooking techniques, current trends and old secrets, discovering new recipes, and more. Visit to post a question, or just to revel in the writings of this seasoned epicurean.

1. What is THE essential ingredient for any Italian dish? Extra virgin olive oil
2. Is there a personal cooking tip you can share? Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or honey to tomato sauce before pouring the sauce over pasta.
3. If you had to choose your "last meal," what would it be and why? My last meal would be my perfect meal (ingredients listed below), because the last one must be perfect
   • 1 pound of steak Tartare
   • 1/2 pound " spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino"
   • 1 bottle of good "Barolo" wine aged at least for 20 years
   • 1 ounce of "Medioevale" cheese with a glass of "Madeira" wine
   • A huge cup of hot good chocolate
   • Two large glasses of 30-year-old Macallan single malt whisky
4. Where is your favorite destination in Italy, and why do you enjoy visiting there? I love walking in the mountains at Gran Paradiso National Park, which is located in the Graian Alps in northwest Italy. Visiting there helps me remember how small I am.