Hmm, for $200 you can purchase a 25 year old traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena. But what's on the shelf for let's say $5 or so? First, let's review what you are looking at and what we will use it for. Certified balsamic vinegar is only produced in Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy. Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is prohibitively expensive, with a 100ml bottle costing over $80. Yikes! Hold that thought. Use it for salads or glaze over fresh fruit. I've topped pre-dressed and plated-salads with a few drops of good Balsamic and also reduced it for BBQ sauces to more refined sauces. But it truly shines when used as an ingredient for dessert. In Modena it is popular to drizzle it over Parmigiano Reggiano, or add a few drops over berries and melon as a dessert. Ok, now back to the more than $80 bucks a bottle. I discovered a brand called Via Roma for less than $5 and yes, it's a product of Modena! Available at A&P, A&P Waldbaum's, The Food Emporium, and SuperFresh. Great find!
GEORGE HIRSCH — Chef + Lifestyle TV / Radio Host
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