Buongiorno Foodie Friends,
Well, it’s officially summer when my culinary thoughts turn to fruit and vegetables. Yeah, I know….we can get almost anything year-round here in Southern California, although not always ripe or imbued with much flavor as they’re picked too soon in order to be shipped from far away farms. However, having spent years long ago where there were 4 distinct seasons that occurred, I still like to pretend.
One of summer’s bounties are heirloom tomatoes. Funny, I can think back not too terribly long ago when these were only available at small farmer’s markets, but now better grocery stores all carry them. I love them in their simplicity. Sun‑warmed, vine‑ripe beauties in all their wild shapes and colors, that look like they’re hand painted. There’s something deeply human about them…they’re imperfect, irregular and full of personality…unlike the tidy look-alikes all in rows at the supermarkets. Sweet, bright, impossibly juicy — the pure joy of summer on a plate.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is thickly sliced, stacked on a plate with red onion, and Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue Cheese crumbled on top. Drizzled with some great EVO (lucky me that I have some Bramasole!) and some really good red wine vinegar. Lastly showered with sweet basil leaves, a couple twists of black pepper and some Maldon sea salt.
They’re a reminder that some of the best things in life are fleeting, seasonal, and meant to be savored slowly.
You’re Welcome…
David & Tino
