Top Chef Alum Mike Isabella Writing Jersey-Italian Cookbook

Graffiato isn't even open yet, but Mike Isabella has already committed himself to another project that'll take him through next year. The Top Chef alum and DC chef has inked a deal with Da Capo Lifelong Books for a cookbook featuring homestyle recipes like pork ragu, roasted potato gnocchi and more. According to a press release, Flavors from a Jersey Italian is "inspired by his New Jersey upbringing and the traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes he learned from his grandmother, but with a modern twist."

The book is due out in fall of 2012 — but first Isabella has some more immediately exciting news: His PR team says to look for an opening announcement for Graffiato in "early June."

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[Photo courtesy Graffiato]