Butter

It seems that more and more restaurants are enticing diners to try special compound butters that bring a whole new dimension to the idea of munching on bread and butter while you wait for your food.  Some of the great flavors seen recently include strawberry, chipotle, truffle, honey, and maple butters.  However, the most unique of the butter I’ve come across is not a compound butter, but gets its unique flavor from the cream of which it’s made.  It is made from cream that comes from the same cows that produce the great cheeses of Parmigiano Reggiano, and thus has a bold, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor. This butter is unsalted, so it is recommended to sprinkle some fleur de sel or another coarse salt on the spread.  It is available on igourmet or if you’re in NYC visit Buon Italia in Chelsea Market.