Fabio Trabocchi Shopping Neighborhood Concept

        Using an unexpected sabbatical from the kitchen after Wall Street’s bloodbath led Fiamma to close, Chef Fabio Trabocchi and his wife Maria have been dating every night. “It’s like a honeymoon,” they confided when I spied the two of them nuzzling at the counter of Salumeria Rosi Tuesday night. “It’s my first vacation in 12 years,” Trabocchi said. “I’m getting to know my family again.”

        The chef left Mobil Guide five-star fame at Tyson’s Corner in Virginia bringing 12 members of the staff with him, ultimately to win three stars at Fiamma for eats-mogul Steve Hanson because he dreamed of making a mark in this town. Now he says he’s working on a neighborhood concept – low-key, simple, affordable (all the currently rational buzzwords apply).  He’s looking for the right space at the right price and…oh yes, an investor to back him.