Good Taste with Tanji - Wine, food and fun with Tanji Patton.

There’s a new Italian restaurant in San Antonio you ought to become familiar with: DiLiberto’s…as in local legend Al DiLiberto (of Boccone’s and Bambino Huey Café fame). He’s baaack! And he’s brought his authentic pastry chef of 20 years, Raffaella Falanga, along with him. Some may argue she’s the real boss of the kitchen here at DiLiberto’s, and Al himself agrees!

Raffaella is from Naples and brings Old World charm to her sensational baked goods – and what a selection! A popular pick is her chocolate-covered tiramisu made with mascarpone cheese and espresso. Delicious ricotta pies on crumbly, butter cookie crusts, as well as puff pastries like the strawberry cream cheese Napoleon (complete with real whip cream), are also eye-catchers to say the least. The real “star” of the bakery, however, is Al’s Famous Dessert. You can order the cake to go, or enjoy this rich, creamy recipe in-house with a hot cup of coffee. Dining perfection!

I have to say though, that Raffaella’s Italian New York-style cheesecake [shown right] – made on a graham cracker crust – is my favorite cheesecake I’ve had…EVER! Stop in today! But don’t count on any secrets from Raffaella. She’s not telling just yet!

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