Hawaiian Duo Turned Italian Appetizer

Standard Italian | Boston

By Patricia Fitzgerald
July 2, 2026

Brian Rae

The ham-and-pineapple combination may incite passionate debates when it comes to pizza toppings, but it’s a proven flavor duo, insists Brian Rae, culinary director for ES Hospitality, the parent company of Standard Italian, which offers refined takes on familiar favorites. The Speck & Pineapple is a top-selling standout on the restaurant’s “Stuzzichini” (nibbles) menu, affirming the enduring appeal of the pairing.

Like prosciutto, speck is distinguished by a gentle smokiness. For this small plate, the speck is teamed with ripe, roasted pineapple, and the combination gets a drizzle of housemade chile crisp, featuring porcini powder. The simple dish abounds with flavor. “The speck brings salt, smoke and richness, while the roasted pineapple adds caramelized sweetness and acidity,” says Rae. The chile crisp finish ties together the separate elements, bringing a touch of heat, a sweet-savory garlic note and a punch of umami from the porcini. “It’s one of those dishes where every component makes the next bite more interesting.”

Read more Best of Flavor 2026

About the Author

Patricia Fitzgerald serves different roles on the Flavor & The Menu team, including writing custom content, Kitchen Collaborative chef spotlights and digital editorial content, as well as acting as a contributing editor for the print magazine. As owner of PFitzCommunications, she specializes in various areas of foodservice and hospitality, while also maintaining clients in other industries and professions. She can be reached at [email protected].Read More Stories by Patricia Fitzgerald