From my travel journal October 7, 2011:
Everything here is so loose. Tuscans are even more laid back than Southerners. We are quickly learning that there aren’t a lot of specifics here. Plans, roads, addresses are obscure concepts and mere suggestions. It’s kind of a maybe-so-maybe-not-no-big-deal-either-way society. Throw in a passion for food and living, and one could get used to living around here pretty quickly.
The stress level is so low I can almost feel my hair growing back.
Ingredients
2 Tbl Extra virgin olive oil
1 cup Yellow onion, julienned
1 tsp Garlic, minced
4 cups Zucchini, cut into 2” batons (about 6 small zucchini)
1 Tbl Kosher salt
1 tsp House seasoning blend (see recipe)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium. Add the onions and sweat until softened, about 4-6 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and continue cooking until the zucchini just begins to soften but still has a little firmness. Serve immediately.
The Cappuccino Cheesecake was a favorite at the Purple Parrot Café, perfect for those nights when the dining room was dressed up with white linens and holiday cheer. Rich, creamy, and laced with espresso, it’s a decadent end to a Christmas feast or any special occasion.
One of the first recipes I ever created was a shrimp bisque. It’s been a staple at Crescent City Grill for years now, served to countless guests who have come through our doors. Back in those early days in the kitchen, there wasn’t any formal training to rely on— just curiosity, passion, and a willingness to experiment until it was just right. Adding butternut squash wasn’t a part of the original recipe. Though its natural sweetness balances the richness of the shrimp and the cream.