Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Scampi

The Italian peninsula is surrounded by five seas— the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenean, Ligurian, and Mediterranean. I have never eaten a dish like this while visiting Italy (they have probably never heard of Old Bay Seasoning), but we sell a lot of it in the States. Make sure and and dip warm ciabatta in the butter sauce left in the bottom of the bowl.

Ingredients

5 lbs. 21/25 headless shrimp, peeled and deveined, butterflied with tails removed (8-12 per person)
¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
1 TB Old Bay seasoning
1 TB Garlic, minced
¼ cup Dry white wine
pinch crushed red pepper
8 TB Unsalted butter, cut into cubes, held cold
1 TB Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 TB Fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, Old Bay, crushed red pepper and garlic and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to avoid burning. Deglaze with the wine and reduce by half. Fold in the butter, one cube at a time until each is incorporated. Fold in parsley and chives. Divide between six bowls and serve immediately.

Recent Recipes

Fried Calamari

Serves 6 Place the calamari and buttermilk in a bowl and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes…

Read more

A Quiche for David

Quiche is French in origin, so this recipe is probably an abomination to some. My friend David Trigiani is a dual-citizen Italian is always taking a stand in the French food versus Italian food debate. Heavy whipping cream is a must, and never buy pre-shredded mozzarella. Grate your own. The same goes for parmesan cheese. Never, I repeat never buy that powdery substance in the green can. Invest in a good grater and you'll be a better cook for it. David lives in Jackson, Mississippi, but spends most of his holidays in Italy. He’s an excellent cook, though I have never eaten quiche in his home. Maybe this will inspire him, and I’ll get an invitation.

Read more

Orange Crepes with Sugared Cranberries

I prefer fruit over chocolate after a meal. Orange and cranberries are a perfect pairing, especially during the holidays. This is an excellent and easy dessert after a heavy meal. These can be served individually on small plates or in a casserole for a buffet.

Read more