Chef Robbie Felice: “Wafu Italian is What’s Next”
Two words: Wafu Italian. I have honestly watched this trend over the past year grow and grow! Wafu Italian is here to stay and I’m just happy to be right in the center of it with pastaRAMEN.
So what is it? In Japanese, Wafu means “Japanese-style.” So, Wafu Italian is the marriage of Japanese and Italian Cuisine. I always tell people, if you’re tasting a good Wafu Italian dish you shouldn’t be able to pinpoint if the dish is Italian or Japanese. It’s truly the best of both. It really doesn’t matter if you are using more Italian or Japanese ingredients or techniques—it’s about hitting that perfect balance that leaves diners guessing what cuisine this is. Some of my own favorite creations: Ramen Bolognese, Crocchette di Ramen, Soy Sauce Injected Burrata Fettunta. Wafu Italian is what’s next.
Chef Robbie Felice
Chef/Owner, pastaRAMEN, LA and Montclair