By Mike McKenna
For most of Idaho’s history, its culinary scene has been pretty much lost in the dark ages. Sure, the 43rd state was known for potatoes, trout and wild game, but foodies from across the country certainly weren’t flocking to Idaho just to eat.
But those days are starting to change. Eating local is one of the top experiences people who visit the Gem State are now looking to enjoy. Of course, lots of us local Idahoans like to eat well, too.
That’s why it’s only fitting that the hottest new restaurant in the state is called Fiamma, as it means “little flame.” The Italian-inspired restaurant in Ketchum is certainly helping light the way for a statewide rise in the culinary world.
“There are a lot of iconic restaurants here and we want to help elevate the culinary scene,” chef Kinsey Leodler-Rescigno said.
Chef Kinsey and her partner, Chef Britt Rescigno, decided to open Fiamma earlier this year because they were inspired by the community and the culinary potentials of Idaho’s growing food-producing scene.
The couple first came to Sun Valley as celebrity guest chefs, invited by the Sun Valley Culinary Institute. Britt is best-known for her numerous appearances on the Food Network. She won Chopped and Guy’s Grocery Games, and she even beat Bobby Flay.
“We just fell in love with Sun Valley and the community really sold us on the place,” Kinsey said.
They opened up Fiamma last spring and have quickly earned rave reviews for their mouthwatering cuisine and their stunning open kitchen and live-fire cooking styles. It’s sort of a “dinner and show,” the chefs joked.
“Our menu is Italian-inspired with a nod to Idaho and with sprinkles of me and Britt,” Kinsey explained, from a booth in their mountain modern-styled restaurant.
“We want to tap into the cool things that are available locally. It’s exciting and challenging for us,” Britt said about Southern Idaho’s growing farm- and ranch-to-table options. “There are a lot more opportunities to resource great ingredients in our region, especially in the game meats. Idaho is really evolving.”
“It’s a celebration of food,” is how Kinsey described their dishes.
“We want to elevate all our proteins and fresh ingredients and not hide them in spices,” Britt said. “There’s nothing like what we do here. We want it to be a fun and cool experience.”
The menu at Fiamma changes every few weeks to match the seasons and the chefs don’t mind the extra effort it takes to be constantly evolving.
“It does take a lot of work. But we’re obsessed with food so it’s fun,” Britt said, adding, “Things that are amazing don’t come easy.”
Fiamma is delighted to announce their new Aperitivo Hour at the bar, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4:30–5:30 p.m. The full bar and Taverna are offering off-menu bites, house chips and dips, and deals on Italian beers, select wines and cocktails.
Find out more at FiammaSunValley.com, by calling 208-913-0118 or visiting them at 211 Leadville Ave. in Ketchum.
