Sunday night’s Italian feast was simple and delicious:

Prosciutto and incredibly sweet melon, porchetta-style pork chops and a zucchini ribbon salad.

Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Fresh Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Fennel-Crusted Porchetta Chops with Zucchini Ribbon Salad

This dish pretty much sucked. It wasn’t anything I would spit out or toss in the trash, but I certainly wouldn’t make it again and I am so not looking forward to the leftovers. Don’t try this one at home. There are so many other swoon-worthy Indian dishes that take less time and are far more rewarding.

Oh well, can’t win them all. We had a delightful fresh salad, however, which was brimming with Farmer’s Market fruits and vegetables.

Summer Salad with Peaches

Tikka Masala

Tikka Masala

First Course: Watermelon & Peach Gazpacho with Blue Cheese:

Watermelon & Peach Gazpacho

This was weirdly good. Ho-hum without the blue cheese, but surprisingly delicious with the addition of cheese and fresh tarragon. This would be a beautiful and refreshing first course for a summer dinner party.

Main Course: Coffee-Marinated Steak, Fresh Corn & Caponata:

Delicious Summer Meal

Five spice and honey-lacquered quail, Sichuan pickles, clay pot caramelized pork, lobster summer rolls … oh my! I did spend a good chunk of my time this past week in my kitchen, but oh it was so worth it. Spicy, sweet, sour, salty, crunchy, herby, fresh. Vietnamese food rocks. Continue reading →