Pesto Play

Italian-inspired Tucci in New York demonstrates how epazote moves seamlessly into other cuisines. Its Gnocchi with epazote pesto and charcoal oil repositions epazote in a modern Italian context, pairing it with traditional elements while confounding expectations. The epazote pesto gives a mineral, minty-sage backbone that cuts through starch, while charcoal oil heightens contrast and visual drama. This is the kind of global mash-up that resonates today. The epazote here is not ornamental. Instead, it’s fundamental to the dish.