Bocconcini Restaurant interview with Small Business Saturday

This former Chopped contestant was the Head Chef at Giorgio On Pine for about 7 years before the opportunity to open her own place presented itself in the form of the closure of the pizza shop right next door.

With the help of Giorgio Giuliana, her former boss, Crystal opened Bocconcini this past February. Since then, she’s been crafting amazing culinary creations, while also staying true to classic Italian cuisine.

The Italian name Bocconcini, meaning small mouthfuls, typically refers to small bites of mozzarella. So Crystal expanded upon that idea and created a menu around complex and diverse

Watch as she takes us INTO THE KITCHEN to show us how the fantastic Honey Bourbon Sweet Potato appetizer is made. She starts by roasting the sweet potatoes in their pizza oven to soften them up a bit. The diced sweet potatoes are then thrown into a hot pan with a the honey bourbon glaze.

Crystal then adds a little more of the glaze so each piece is coated thoroughly. To finish it off she adds some chopped parsley and salt and pepper to taste. After only a few minutes in the piping hot pan, the bourbon renders down and pairs perfectly with the honey to create a sweet, caramel like sauce.

When the potatoes are warm throughout, Crystal plates them on heaping helping of house made ricotta cheese. A little more parsley for some color and the Honey Bourbon Sweet Potato appetizer is ready for your consumption!

The creamy ricotta pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes by complimenting the sweet glaze with the perfect amount of saltiness. The potatoes themselves have just enough firmness to the outside that is achieved by pan frying them, while being perfectly soft on the inside. Frank, Maddie and I really enjoyed devouring the generous portion that Crystal was so nice enough to offer us.

I would highly recommend also trying out the pizza. There is a ton a variety in the ingredients and the crust, honest to God, might be the best crust I’ve ever eaten.

Definitely check them out at 1334 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA or visit them online today to see the full menu. Also, follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @BoccoPhilly to see the latest unique creations that Crystal and the Bocconcini crew has in store!!