Loading...We’re in San Francisco this weekend enjoying time with old friends and exploring new places on our own. Christopher and Noemi are napping at the moment and I’m looking out at rooftops and freighters on the bay. Doves are cooing in the eaves and leaves rustling in the breeze. And I’m thinking about menus for the weekend.
I thought I’d share a few dishes I’m pondering while you’re considering your own.
APPETIZER
Spanish Leaning Spinach and Chickpea Dip — I waffled about whether to name this ‘hummus’ or ‘chickpea dip’, but ultimately thought it veered far enough from tradition to go with the latter. It is, in any case, delicious. If you’ve ever had any doubt as to the strength of pounded garlic, this little dish will set you straight.
SALAD
Mama Kourtesi’s Beet and Greens Salad — This salad, which I learned from Mama Kourtesi in Greece, is the essence of “whole eating.” She boils both beets and their greens and tosses it all in a simple dressing of oil and vinegar for a surprisingly tasty, super-versatile salad or side dish.
BIG DISH
Big City Souvlaki — When I lived on Corfu, souvlaki meant skewered cubes of grilled, marinated pork. But on a trip through Athens seeking out the best street food and mezedhes, we found this version to be utterly addictive; moist and tender with just the right amount of spice.
DESSERT
Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Macerated Strawberries — A gorgeous cake; light and ethereal and rich with chocolate all at the same time. Strawberries, in peak season right now, are the perfect topper.
Happy Memorial Day, everyone. And thank you to all it’s in memory of.
