Graffiato sells savory sauce on the side

Published September 11, 2011 4:00am ET



$2.50: Amount Mike Isabella’s restaurant, Graffiato, charges for a side order of the chef’s famous pepperoni sauce, Yeas & Nays has discovered. The sauce, made by simmering together pepperoni, onions, garlic, tomatoes and spices, has gotten rave reviews and almost helped the Jersey-Italian chef win “Top Chef: All Stars.” (He came in second.) At Graffiato, the sauce is normally served atop chicken thighs, and the fact that you can get it as a dipping sauce is not mentioned on the menu. That doesn’t mean Isabella is keeping the recipe a secret. Guests can pick up a pepperoni sauce recipe card at the hostess booth.