Giant Chicken Nugget Parmigiana

This Giant Chicken Nugget Parmigiana is a delicious and playful twist on the classic Italian dish. It ain't your Nonna's chicken parm! #Sanpellegrino #TasteGuide

I'm a born and bred city gal; I grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and lived there most of my life. New York is foodie heaven, that's no secret. But it's not just the city that offers amazing, inventive dishes. Even out here in the 'burbs—where I have lived the past few years—there are chefs that are on top of the latest foodie trends.

These are the kind of places and chefs you can discover in the S.Pellegrino Taste Guide, which explores U.S. cities through the eyes of acclaimed chefs and lifestyle influencers. While you're there, make sure to enter for a chance to win a year's supply of S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water!

One of those places worth discovering is Fortina, in Armonk, NY (there's one opening in Brooklyn, too!). They're on top of all the latest culinary trends. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and veggies. Everything is delicious. But it's the chicken parm that will blow your mind.

 

It's a classic dish...with a fun and innovative twist.

Yup, they don't use a regular ol' chicken cutlet for this parmigiana. They make a GIANT CHICKEN NUGGET using dark and white meat (including wood-roasted thighs). It's breaded and fried and then it goes in the wood oven with cheese and sauce. Did I mention it's enormous?

My son, showing off his measuring skills.

Remember chicken patty sandwiches from the school cafeteria? Imagine that—but gigantic, packed with garlic and herbs, and handmade with quality ingredients. Oh, and topped with red sauce and ooey-gooey cheese. It's a seriously inspiring dish, lemme tell ya. Pair it with S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water and you're in foodie heaven.

For more fun culinary trends and innovative dishes, make sure to check out
the S.Pellegrino Taste Guide. Discover little-known facts, learn about unusual recipes and ingredients along with the more traditional ones. Be inspired by the experiences of renowned taste experts. The best way to get to know a city is through its food!

And if you're in the NYC area, make sure to come out on June 30 to the S.Pellegrino Taste Guide Event and check out all the latest culinary trends! It'll be at Hudson River Park's Pier 46, and will feature original dishes by acclaimed chefs April Bloomfield and Ludo Lefebvre—all inspired by current food trends. The #TasteGuide Event will be open to the public from 11:30am-2:30pm. I'll be there, so stay tuned for all my photos!

It's gonna be a hot, summer day, so don't forget to wear sunscreen...and definitely stay hydrated!

What's your favorite foodie trend these days?