The Plate

Restaurants, Food and Other Gastronomical Fare

Supplement to The Virginia Gazette • Daily Press • Tidewater Review - June 2014

Extremely Fresh and Extremely Delicious!

Buy One Pizza, Get One

50% Off

Bunny Slope (New)

50% Off

Dine In and Carry Out Only

Expires 08/18/2014.

Not valid with any other coupon offer or discount. One per person.

12551 Jefferson Ave., Suite 207 • Newport News,VA 23602

We Deliver • 757.272.6391 • extremepizza.com Like Us on Facebook • facebook.com/extremepizzanewportnews JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

3

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

Peking’s Kung Pao Chicken Courtesy of Peking Restaurant - Williamsburg INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1 lb. ½ lb.

Boil zucchini in pot of water for 2-3 minutes, drain set aside.

Zucchini (cut into cubes) boneless chicken thigh meat (cut into cubes) 2 oz. peanuts ½ tsp. chopped green onion ½ tsp. fresh minced ginger ½ tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. cooking wine 1 tsp. soy bean sauce ½ tsp. Golden Label soy sauce ½ tsp. double black soy sauce or 1 tsp. Kikoman soy sauce 1 tsp. oyster sauce 2 tbsp. hoisin sauce 1 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. spicy dried red pepper 3 tbsp. water 1 tbsp. vegetable oil

4

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

Heat oil in large wok/skillet on medium/high heat, add chicken.

Stir-fry until no longer pink in center, roughly 3-5 minutes. Then remove chicken from heat, set aside.

Add green onion, garlic, red peppers and ginger to wok, stir, then add remaining sauces, and water. Stir well and reduce until sauce starts to thicken.

Return chicken to wok, toss until chicken is well coated.

Return zucchini and stir to wok. Heat thoroughly.

Sprinkle peanuts over the top.

Serve with rice!

CONTENTS

ADVERTISERS

4 Peking’s Kung Pao Chicken recipe

3 Amigos Mexican Restaurant

20

6 Seared to perfection

6 Crabs Seafood

18

99 Main Restaurant

15

Aberdeen Barn-Williamsburg

12

Anchor Inn Seafood Restaurant, The

17

Antonio’s Ristorante Italiano

24

Aromas Specialty Coffee

25

Baci Ristorante Italiano

30

11 Great lunch plates for under $10 12 Test your wine I.Q. 13 A quirky way to carry wine 14 Local farmers markets offer fresh produce and much more 16 Camping cookbooks for the foodie in the woods

Brazilian Best Granite

8

18 A taste for sports food

Circa 1918

8

20 Rich quiche requires a wine that cuts through fat

County Grill

9

22 Summer months abound with

Cove Tavern, The

19

Creative Catering of Virginia

21

food and wine festivals 26 14 romantic movies to share 28 For the love of ricotta 31 Top 10 mispronounced foodie words

Extreme Pizza

3

Francesco’s Ristorante Italiano

17

Good Fortune Chinese Cuisine

10

Gus’s Hot Dog King

13

32 Reader Showcase: SHOW US YOUR FOOD

Handy Ice and Hometown Bottled Water

15

33 Easy Gluten Free Blueberry Pie recipe

Harpoon Larry’s Fish House & Oyster Bar

34 Shakshouka recipe

Ichiban-Williamsburg

25

New York Deli & Pizza Restaurant

29

The Plate is produced annually by DAILY PRESS MEDIA GROUP

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE 216 Ironbound Road Williamsburg, VA 23188 Phone 757-220-1736 Fax 757-220-1766 www.vagazette.com Layout & Design LouAnne Sexton Design Support Peter Dewey Kathy Sturgeon Sandy Xander

9

Olde Towne Pizza & Pasta

6

Peking Restaurant-Williamsburg

2

Prime 46forty

31

Red Hot & Blue

23

Riverwalk Restaurant

7

Schooners Bar and Grill at CNU Village

13

Seafare of Williamsburg, The

11

Seasons Restaurant & Bar

24

Starling Guttering

18

Tidewater Physicians Multispecialty Group

21

Treated Lumber Outlet

31

Tuscany Ristorante Italiano

30

WARA Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association

27

Walker’s Dam Grill

30

Water Street Grille

7

Williamsburg Pottery

36

Williamsburg Winery

35

Wing Bistro Chicken & Waff es

28

Wythe Candy & Gorumet Shop

16

York River Oyster Company

7

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

5

By James P. DeWan Special to Tribune Newspapers

Seared to

perfection Getting it right requires practice an and a certain trust in your own observations

10% OFF

Dine in or Take Out Lunch and Dinner Expires 12/31/14

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Culinary school. Day 1.

Pound cake. I ask the instructor how long to leave it in the oven.

“Until it’s done,” she says. “I know,” I say, “but how long do I leave it in the oven?” And she says, again, annoyed, “Until it’s done.”

Now, my memory’s a bit fuzzy on the details, but, as I recall, we went back and forth like this for several hours until, finally, after clonking me on the head with her rubber spatula, I understood her point: Cooking, like everything else in the known universe, follows the laws of the universe (I know I’ve said that before).

This means that, in order to predict an outcome, say, the time it takes a pound cake to get “done,”

Gourmet Italian Food Fresh, Simple and Homemade Appetizers • Salads Toasted Subs • Gourmet Pizzas Entrées • Desserts ...and more Eat In • Take Out • Delivery Accommodating Outdoor Patio Available Located near the Premium Outlets in front of AMF Bowling

HOURS SUN – THURS • 11AM TO 11PM FRI & SAT: 11AM TO MIDNIGHT 5540 Olde Towne Road • Williamsburg 6

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

www.ot-pizza.com 757-253-7846

See Page 8 THINKSTOCK PHOTO

Three great places to savorthe sea...

Enjoy Indoor and Outdoor Waterfront Dining Artisan • Tapas Seafood • Taphouse 20 Beers on Tap

Enjoy one of America’s Local Seafood most beautiful marinas Steaks • Chops while enjoying local Pasta wines and oysters from up and down Enjoy Wines from the east coast.

Virginia and Enjoy Brick Oven Pizza around the world Local Oysters Fresh Catch of the Day

www.waterstreetgrille.net

www.riverwalkrestaurant.net

www.yorkriveroysterco.com

323 Water Street Yorktown

323 Water Street, Suite A-1 • Yorktown

8109 Yacht Haven Road Gloucester

Or call

Or call

Or call

757-875-1522

804-993-7174

757-369-5644

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

7

The most Important Room in your Home is your Kitchen Invest nvest in your home by making your kitchen the most comfortable room in the hou house. ho

Visit our showroom to see the new variety of colors. Ask about our Monthly Specials

Brazilian Best Granite UNIQUE AS EACH STONE

6618—A Mooretown Rd. Williamsburg, VA 23188

(757) 221-8080 www.bbggranite.com

CIRCA 1918 KITCHEN + BAR Voted Best Overall Restaurant in Southeast Virginia...Virginia Living Magazine OPEN TUES. – SAT. DINNER STARTS AT 5PM

757.599.1918 10367 Warwick Blvd., Newport News 8

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

facebook.com/circa1918

you need to understand all the variables: How hot is your oven, really? How thick is the batter? I could go on. What I learned that day was, I had a lot to learn and a lot to practice. Oh, and the value of a good clonking. Today, we’ll apply those principles to one of the most common kitchen methods: pan searing.

Why you need to learn this Pan searing is great for any relatively small piece of protein, like your steaks and your chops, your chicken breasts and fish fillets. All those meaty, meaty things we like so much.

The steps you take We call this method “pan searing” because it produces a lipsmacking, golden brown crust surrounding a perfectly cooked inside. For chicken breasts, that’s an internal temperature of 165 degrees. For steaks and chops and fish fillets — well, what do you like? Medium rare? Well done? Obviously there’s no one “right” way. And that’s part of the challenge.

First, the good news: Pan searing is easy.

Now the bad news: There’s a caveat.

Here’s what I mean: It’s easy in the sense that there’s not much to it: Drop a seasoned piece of protein in a hot, lightly oiled pan, then flip it halfway through. Done.

Here’s the caveat: There are a gajillion variables, and the only way to know those variables is to practice, practice, practice.

Sure, I can give some good advice that will increase your chances of success: Have a pan that’s just big enough to hold what you’re cooking and get it nice and hot first, then dry your protein thoroughly and season it. But, the sad truth is that, just like me with that pound cake, the main thing you want to know is, how long do we cook it? And the answer, always, is, “Until it’s done.”

You see, because of those aforementioned gajillion variables, there’s no way to predict exactly how long something will take to cook. Consider: •Pan materials: Different metals conduct heat differently •Pan shape: Straight-sided pans trap moisture, preventing meat from browning as quickly as it would in sloped-sided pans See Page 10

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

9

•The protein: What is it and how thick?

•Burner temperature: What does “medium high heat” mean, anyway?

Yikes. Here’s my best advice: Accept the fact that cooking well is not easy and requires practice. You’ll cook some things imperfectly, and that’s OK. Approach every meal as practice.

The more you practice, the quicker you’ll understand those variables. Plan on having chicken breasts or pork chops or salmon fillets three times this week or, better yet, invite some friends over and cook 10 pieces of whatever in quick succession. Pay attention.

Take notes. Use an instant read thermometer to track the speed at which the meat cooks. And press on the top to feel it firm up as the meat cooks. Yes, it’s science. But, it’s not rocket science. You can do it.

Here are the basics: 1. Set a sloped-sided saute pan, just big enough to hold your protein comfortably, over medium-high heat.

2. When it’s hot, add just enough fat — oil, clarified butter — to coat the bottom of the pan.

3. Add your seasoned protein to the pan, presentation side down. (“Presentation side” is the most visually appealing side.) Don’t touch the meat until it has developed a nice crust and is about halfway done, then flip it and cook until done.

Once again, what’s “done”? Well, here’s where that practice comes in. A good indication of doneness is touch. Raw meat is spongy. The more it cooks, the more the proteins tighten up and the firmer it becomes. Make a point, whenever you cook protein, to poke it and poke it some more. Feel the changes as it cooks. Insert an instant read thermometer frequently to make the connection between internal temperature and firmness. Take notes. You’ll get it.

One last thing: It’s true that, instead of flipping proteins only once, flipping them every 30 to 60 seconds throughout cooking can result in more even doneness with reduced cooking time.

Personally, I find the constant flipping somewhat bothersome and the results are not better enough to warrant the annoyance. If you want to try it, though, feel free. And take lots of notes.

Accept the fact that

cooking well is not easy and requires practice.

225D-1 Fox Hill Road (Willow OaksShopping Center behind McDonalds)

851-6888 lthy Great Tasting Hea Menu Choices No MSG Sugar Free • Gluten Free (Including White Sauce)

Low-Fat/Less Oil, Brown Rice substitution for $1 Good for People with Diabetes & High Blood Pressure All Menu Items Can be Prepared Healthy!

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

ctober 9,

S ILY PRE

S

Hill ortune Good F fixture in the Fox many r a fo en on ampt has be od of H te among neighborho consistent favori g place a in d m an su unas years s. It’s an feels very our reader nt interior that ai bar greets with a qu familiar. A small d e dining th an d ng an , relaxi brown front door hs is decorated e th by of white, ot you d a choice mes first, and es and bo s and crafts. an bl , ta up of so ting up co area sour nto box. nts have nese pain ce. The so with Chi e Chinese restaura mix of or fried ri rved in a lovely be favorite se a m is on n, so si st ke le fu re ic a Whi the e ch y out into the sesam d Fortune both tast branched I selected d the meal was ines, Goo up was sian cuis . The extensive so an A t ur e, en in so er m cs diff of t and the classi riety of . Pieces of g. The ho sticks to ures a wide va zens of and fillin g with a nice kick at in do and coated st fe d ta us de u y pl ea ef men appetizers table and meat be ken were lightly br a sweet sauce. d an s ic soup ch and vege category seafood, me seeds not soggy. special’ chicken, with sesa ll was crisp and l, and the A “house Chicken, Scallop ro el g w s. eg ee as tr rs en The e Cracker in Black Pepper tune delive ping by for pick ir or F F d rs fe oo of dishes. G ber of people stop hood likes its Shrimp ng bo ui m ig Ju or tr m in & nu ighb d other ts the ne ith a nice Nicholson Sauce an good deal here, w ems that up sugges eatery. — David se it a ne is ed hi ic C l ch pr ca un L ably d lo of reason egg drop or hot an , selection an egg roll h it w e m co

Like Us On

www.goodfortunehampton.com Gift Certificates Available

Asian Food • Lumpia • Bool-Gogi • Pho • Red Curry • Pad Thai Noodle 10

2013 DA

tune Good For t a t e b e r a su ese dishes in h C ic s s Cla uisine Chinese C Chinese Cuisine ay O Wednesd

$2.00 OFF $4.00 OFF When You Spend $10.00 Or More

Before Tax. Not For Delivery. Not to be combined with any other offer.

Expires 11/18/2014

When You Spend $20.00 Or More

Before Tax. Not For Delivery. Not to be combined with any other offer.

Expires 11/18/2014

Francesco’s Chicken or Eggplant Parmigiania with house salad and homemade bread $7.99

Great lunch plates for under $10

Peking lunch buffet $7.99

6 Crabs Fried flounder, catfish or tilapia lunch plate $5.99 served with fried shrimp, hush puppies & fries

Antonio’s lunch special $8.99 baked ziti with meat sauce

Aromas Asian Flat-Iron Steak or Asian Ginger Salmon Salad $8.99

Good Fortune Dealer Combo Sautéed Shrimp and Chicken for $6.99

3 Amigos Tacos a la Parrilla (Your choice of meat; Carne Azada, Carintas, Chorizo, Pescado, or Chori Papa) Served with rice or beans, Pico de Gallo and tomatillo sauce for $9.99

Extreme Pizza THINKSTOCK PHOTO

2 topping slice, side salad, Fountain Drink $6.95

“Quality and Tradition” Dedicated to serving your entire family. Bring the kids.

Our 91-item menu features fresh seafood, certified Black Angus steaks and tender veal.

Address: 1632 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

757-229-0099 www.seafareofwilliamsburg.com Private parties are welcome. Reservations are recommended.

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

11

When you have been around as long as we have, you know you are doing something right!

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

Test your wine I.Q. “The Best Beef About”

Find out if you’re a wine genius or a wine simpleton with the following questions.

1. How much wine is in a bottle?

A. 50 ml B. 250 ml C. 750 ml D. 1500 ml

Where you’ll enjoy, from the fires of our open hearth grill, the finest USDA Top Choice Corn Fed Beef, properly aged and cooked to your taste. Or should you prefer seafood, our menu selections meet the same high standards of quality. Now sit back, relax and enjoy dining with us.

2014 TASTE OF NER IN WILLIAMSBURG W Award • Toast of the Taste 160 1601 6001 Richmond Riichmo h ndd Road (Rt. (Rt 60 West) Williamsburg WWW.ABERDEEN-BARN.COM

Call for Reservations: 757-229-6661 Handicap Accessible

12

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

2. How many grapes does it take to make your average bottle of wine?

A. 1 lb B. 2.5 lbs C. 5 lbs D. 10 lbs 3. How many bottles of wine does it take to create a case of wine?

A. 6 B. 12 C. 18 D. 24 4. When was the corkscrew designed?

A. 1500s B. 1700s C. 1800s D. 1929 5. How many varieties of wine grapes exist in the world today?

A. Less than 100 B. 1,000 C. 5,000 D. More than 10,000

6. How many gallons of wine does California produce annually?

A. Less than 10 million gallons B. 12 million gallons C. 15 million gallons D. More than 17 million gallons 7. How many calories are in a four ounce glass of red wine?

A. 50 B. 85 C. 115 D. 150 8. How many gallons of wine are in a single barrel?

A. 40 B. 60 C. 80 D. 100 9. When did winemaking begin?

A. 10,000 B.C. B. 8000 B.C. C. 6000 B.C. D. 1000 B.C. 10. How many gallons of wine are produced from one acre of grapevines?

A. 200 B. 400 C. 600 D. 800 Answers: C, B, B, D, D, D, B, B, C, D

A quirky way to carry wine Wine Caddy Sculptures offer a playful outlook as alcohol holders

By William Hageman Tribune Newspapers

From H&K Recycled Metal Art of New Jersey comes a quirky and playful line of wine and liquor bottle holders called Wine Caddy Sculptures.

These bottle holders are the creation of artist Guenter Scholz, a former mechanical engineering student with an obviously playful outlook on life. They’re handcrafted in Germany from recycled industrialstrength steel, to which copper accents are added. The metal is cut, bent, welded and brushed into individual pieces of functional art. Because the metals don’t leech or come in contact with the wine, taste will not be compromised.

More than 200 subjects are offered.

Some of the more amusing characters are a big-antlered moose, a sporty-looking bartender with a rack that holds six bottles of wine, a Formula One race car, a smiling pharmacist standing behind her counter and a sunglasses-wearing piano player seated at his upright. The pieces range in price from $29 to $125.

The Wine Caddy Sculptures can be ordered from winecaddys.com, which also offers other handcrafted metal pieces, such as desktop accessories, business card and pen holders, clocks and more.

WINECADDY.COM PHOTOS

MON nacho night TUE kids’ night WED seniors’ night THU military appreciation night

plus...

Angie’s Simply Sweets cupcakes, cookies, etc!

dine in • take out party trays SCHOONERS

10725 Jefferson Ave • Newport News

Bar and Grill at CNU Village 12368 Warwick Blvd. Suite A-107 Newport News

757-595-1630

757-599-4144

OPEN 10:30A to 9:30P

OPEN 11A to 2A

GUS’S HOT DOG KING

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

13

PHOTO BY ROB OSTERMAIER/DAILY PRESS

Produce locally grown and picked is fresh at farmers’ markets across the region. Here, a variety of fresh peppers and tomatoes is for sale at the Williamsburg farmers market in Merchants Square.

Local farmers markets offer fresh produce and much more

By Nicole Paitsel

Dean & Don’s

npaitsel@dailypress.com

This commercial farmer’s stand is open daily at locations in Newport News and Hampton during the spring and summer months. The stands offer a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Newport News) and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(Hampton) Monday-Saturday Location: 12601 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, and 600 LaSalle Ave., Hampton.

Information: deananddons.com.

Farmers markets have been sprouting up like daisies in recent years. Our region has a rich variety of these special places that offer locally grown and made products.

City Center Farmers Market This mid-week market features locally grown fruits, vegetables, seafood, plants, herbs, baked goods, free range chickens, pork, bison, bath products, fresh bread, dog treats, dairy products and other local goods.

Times: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays Location: Mariners Row, City Center, Oyster Point, Newport News Information: citycenteratoysterpoint.com.

14

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

Gloucester Farmers Market This Summer Nights market, held rain or shine, features fresh produce, prepared foods and arts and crafts.

Times: 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays through August Where: Behind the Gloucester Museum of History and Carriage Court Information: gloucestervillage.com.

The market features local produce, arts and crafts, baked goods and other Virginia-focused products.

Times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 25.

Location: Historic courthouse green in Mathews County Information: visitmathews.com.

offering new shopping opportunities as seasons change.

Times: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Location: Merchant’s Square, Duke of Gloucester Street near Colonial Williamsburg.

Information: williamsburgfarmersmarket.com.

Peninsula Town Center

Yorktown Market Days

The Hampton shopping center introduced a farmers market for the first time in 2013. This market breaks the mold with its Sunday hours.

Times: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 12.

Location: Center square near Barnes & Noble.

Information: peninsulatowncenter. com.

Smithfield Farmers Market Now in its 12th year, the market focuses on “Virginia Grown” products such as locally grown produce, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, peanuts, plants, coffee, baked goods and more. Every market also features live music by a local band.

Times: 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays through October.

Location: Main Street in downtown Smithfield.

Information: smithfieldfarmersmarket.org.

Suffolk Farmers Market In addition to the traditional farmers’ market offerings, the Suffolk market will host a variety of Family Fun days, featuring special guest speakers and performers, petting zoos, book signings, workshops, and crafts.

Times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 22 and 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 3.

Location: 524 N. Main St., downtown Suffolk Information: suffolk-fun.com/shop/ suffolk-farmers-market/

Williamsburg Farmers Market This long-established market features cut flowers, fresh produce, wines, local meats, baked goods and other products, some vendors vary from week to week,

The eighth annual market hosts more than 35 local farmers, producers and vendors throughout the season selling fruits and vegetables, seafood, eggs, poultry, breads and baked goods, peanuts, cut flowers, herbs, vegetable plants, fresh mozzarella, organic and gluten free products, potted plants, coffee, jams and jellies.

Times: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through September. Additional fall markets will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 11 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 and Dec. 13.

Location: Riverwalk Landing along the Yorktown waterfront.

Information: yorktownmarketdays. com.

99 MAIN RESTAU RANT

Mathews Farmers Market

99 Main Restaurant

Located in Historic Hilton Village Named One of the Top 50 Restaurants in Hampton Roads!

Tuesday - Thursday 5 pm - 9:30 pm and until 10:30 pm on Friday & Saturday.

99 Main Street, Newport News 757-599-9885 • www.99mainrestaurant.com Serving BRUNCH on the last Sunday of the month 11 am to 2 pm

H20 ANY WAY YOU WANT IT Guaranteed Pure and Fresh

• Residential or Commercial • Bottled Water

8 oz. bottles to 5-gallon jugs

• Coolers Available for rent, purchase, and rent to own

• Private Labels Custom made labels to promote your business or fundraiser

• Handy Ice 8, 10, 16, and 40lb Bags 10lb Solid Block Dry Ice 2lb Block

Serving Williamsburg, burg, West Point, New Kent, Yorktown and Newport News.

In operation since 1978

6333 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

757-229-7268 www.handyice.com JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

15

No week is complete without a trip to

Camping cookbooks

Williamsburg’s beloved candy store for 50 years!

for the foodie in the woods

• Freshly made fudge • The region’s largest selection of candy • Hand dipped chocolates • Caramel & fancy apples • Over 200 fabulous chocolate bars

SEASONAL CANDY AND GOURMET SPECIALS EACH MONTH CUSTOM GIFT BASKETS VOLUME DISCOUNTS WEEKLY PROMOTIONS FOR SENIORS, MILITARY AND STUDENTS

Bring this ad in for $5 OFF any purchase of $25 or more!

One time offer; may not be combined with other discounts valid through December 31, 2014

414 W Duke of Gloucester St. On Merchant’s Square

757.229.4406 Sun-Fri 9:30 AM to 10 PM Saturdays 9 AM to 10 PM THINKSTOCK PHOTO

16

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

By Michell Eloy Tribune Newspapers

Camping and gourmet cooking: two pastimes that are seemingly mutually exclusive. Yet three new cookbooks are trying to shuck the notion that communing with nature has to come at the expense of quality, nutritious food — or at least need not be limited to hot dogs and cans of baked beans.

For those heading out to a campsite with access to a refrigerator or ice machine, “Campfire Cuisine” (Quirk Books, $15.95) and “Family Camping Cookbook” (Duncan Baird, $14.95) boast recipes crafted with the foodie in mind.

In the former, author Robin Donovan skews her book more toward adults, with recipes like Indian-style curried yogurt

chicken and cioppino (a seafood stew).

The recipes are ingredient-heavy, and the lists of “must-haves” and “pantry staples” are on the longer side. That said, nearly all of the marinades and rubs are intended to be made ahead and packed in a cooler for later use.

“Family Camping Cookbook” offers the same style of recipes, but tailored to families. Especially helpful are the meal plans that preface each chapter, one each for families with younger kids, those with older kids and vegetarians. Still, the ingredient lists for things like paella and risotto primavera lean toward the lengthy side and would be impossible without regular access to ice or a store.

For campers looking for a slightly more minimalist outdoor experience, “The New Trailside Cookbook” (Firefly,

$19.95) offers more of a traditional approach to campfire cuisine. Written by canoe enthusiast Kevin Callan and dietitian Margaret Howard, the book includes tips on dehydrating, living off the land and at-home steps for meal preparation to cut down on the packing list. It still has some more extravagant recipes as far as camping cuisine goes — slow-cooked pulled pork, lamb chops with rosemary and grapes — but feels more realistic in terms of what can be accomplished campfireside.

The common thread — and key to using any of these cookbooks successfully — is planning. All three books stress crafting meal plans ahead to cut down on extensive packing lists.

Don’t Pass by Drop Anchor at The Inn Wide variety of broiled or fried seafood dishes

Take a Tour of Italy Explore the Artisan Entrees created by First Generation Sicilian Chef Franceso

Voted Best

Romantic Dining in Williamsburg

Monday SENIOR CITIZEN Discount

Tuesday MILITARY Discount

Wednesday SHIPYARD EMPLOYEE Discount

10% OFF

10% OFF

10% OFF

FOOD

FOOD

FOOD

10% off Dinner Menu Expires 08-31-14 $7.99 Two Course Lunch

Choose from Select menu Mon-Fri 10am-2pm

Expires 08-31-14

Mon-Thur 10:30 AM-10 PM • Fri-Sat 10:30 AM-11 PM • Sun 10:30 AM-10 PM

6524 Unit D Richmond Road • 757-345-0557 www.francescosristoranteitaliano.com

10417 Warwick Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23601

(757) 594-1355 All major credit cards accepted

Located in beautiful Historic Hilton Village

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

17

A taste for sports food

Served at Wimbledon

Cricket and tea

Across the pond, strawberries and cream are as predictable at Wimbledon as members of the royal family.

In the British Commonwealth, cricket tea is still quintessential to the whole ritual of village cricket.

Taste of the Derby

Baseball and food

For racing enthusiasts, the hot Brown, named after the Brown Hotel in Louisville, is as much a part of the Kentucky Derby as oats and hay are to the horses.

“Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks ...” For generations baseball fans have been singing that line during the seventh-inning stretch.

Fan-favorite football food

Sports, food and drinks are as much a part of our cultural tradition as, well, peanuts and Cracker Jack.

Here are some photos of great sports/food combos.

The best of Augusta

Nothing says Augusta National in the spring more than ... the pimiento cheese sandwich from the Walton Way Deli in Augusta, Ga., rumored to be one among many providers of sandwiches to the Masters Tournament. It contains garlic pepper and a pinch of sugar.

Wings- Buffalo has always been credited for inventing wings (hence the name).

One of the most popular snacks for football fans from coast to coast.

EVERYDAY

LUNCH SPECIAL

$599

FLOUNDER OR

TILAPIA OR CATFISH OR TROUT

FRESH

FISH DAILY

croaker•catfish•spot flounder and more

% 0 5 Off Labor

2009-2013 WINNER

*

.

Call for details

SHRIMP • CLAMS OYSTERS +3 LARGE SHRIMP MEATY + FRENCH FRIES HOMEMADE + HUSH CRAB CAKES PUPPIES DEVILED CRAB

Party Platters for ANY OCCASION

TAKE-OUT or EAT-IN

RABS LIVE C W NO ABLE L I A V A 757-258-7757

COME IN & SEE US

The ONLY one-piece, guaranteed, clog-free gutter

220-9900/898-9200 www.starlinggutters.com Licensed & Insured

TODAY! 118 Secondd SStreet, Williamsburg Mon — Thu • 10:30 – 8 | Fri & Sat • 10:30 – 9 18

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

Now Offering Financing NO INTEREST if paid in full within 12 mos.

(Call for details. Subject to credit approval.)

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

19

Rich quiche requires a wine that cuts through fat

By Bill St. John Special to Tribune Newspapers

No lemons in this recipe, but you can still make lemonade. Together, cheese, half-and-half and eggs sport a fair amount of fat. When paired with wine, fat is a formidable, albeit delicious, barrier to wine flavor getting through. (That is one reason more people around the world drink white wine with their cheese; it has less to lose.) A red wine would be terrific with this dish, but the key is significant tannin to bind that fat and breach its walls. For white wine, be sure it is good and lean, its acidity like a squeegee sweeping away the same.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

We at 3 Amigos Mexican Restaurants pride ourselves on providing our customers with a unique and pleasurable dining experience.

Our mission is simple: to serve you the best authentic Mexican food and drinks at a comfortable price. So come on by and relax, we are here to serve your family and friends.

Yorktown

www.3amigosmexicanrestaurants.com

3120 Kiln Creek Parkway Yorktown, VA 23693

757-369-0262 Virginia Beach 1920 Centerville Turnpike Virginia Beach, VA 23464 • 757-479-4100 Great Bridge

500 Battlefield Boulevard North Chesapeake, VA 23322 • 757-548-4105

Elizabeth City

1720 City Center Boulevard Elizabeth City, NC 27909 • 252-331-6500 20

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

Hours: Mon. – Thur. 11am–10pm • Fri. 11am–11pm Sat. 11:30am–10pm • Sun. 11:30am–9pm Free Cheese dip with purchase of $25 or more.

$4 off lunch with purchase of two meals and two drinks. $5 off dinner with purchase of two meals and two drinks.

THE FOOD Quiche with arugula and mushrooms Heat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups half-and-half, 1 teaspoon each dried Italian herb blend and salt, and cayenne pepper to taste; stir in 1/2 cup each baby arugula and sliced mushrooms.

From Corporate Events . . .

Line a 9-inch pie pan with a prepared crust; sprinkle with 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend.

Pour egg mixture into pan to two-thirds full.

Set pan on a baking sheet.

Bake until quiche is set, about 35 minutes.

Makes: 8 servings

To Elegant Weddings . . .

THE WINES 2011 Bonny Doon Vineyard Contra, Central Coast, California

TPMG Nutrition Services

A field blend mishmash of five hearty red grapes (mostly the gritty yeoman carignan) for juicy dark berry aromas and flavors but also suedelike tannins for cleanup. $15

Bodegas Hidalgo-La Gitana Manzanilla de Sanlucar de Barrameda, Sherry, Spain Unsung hero of Spanish food whites, all taut acidity, lengthy saline, white almond and chamomile scents and savors. $18 for 500 milliliters

2012 Cousino-Macul Sauvignon Gris, Maipo, Chile A cousin, um, “cousino” to sauvignon blanc, and similar to it for its fresh, lively citrus character and lean, incisive acidity. $15

Gale Pearson, MS, RD, CDE

And Five Star Events Does your diet need a makeover?

• • • •

Grocery store tours Diabetes classes Cholesterol classes Individual counseling

Tidewater Medical Center

Tidewater Medical Center at New Town

860 Omni Blvd., Suite 103 Newport News, VA 23606

5424 Discovery Park Blvd., Suite 101 Williamsburg, VA 23188

(757) 223-9403

(757) 345-2512 Most insurances accepted.

mytpmg.com

The Only Caterer You Will Ever Need!

757-227-5747 www.creativecateringva.com JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

21

DAILY PRESS FILE PHOTO

The fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival in Norfolk is one of the region’s largest festivals.

Summer months abound with food and wine festivals

By David Nicholson dbnicholson@dailypress.com

Warm summer months followed by the cool fall each offer their own charm in the many food and wine festivals that pop up each year in Hampton Roads. Here are a few to mark on your calendar. Details for some events will be announced at a later date.

Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival When: Friday-Sunday, June 20-22. Noon-10 p.m. FridaySaturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Town Point Park, downtown Norfolk Details: Norfolk’s annual “second line” with New Orleans’ spirit and culture takes place along the Norfolk waterfront. The festival seeks to recreate the best of Louisiana. Two stages featuring national recording artists provide musical entertainment for the weekend. Arts and crafts and authentic food will also be part of the fun.

Admission: Thursday and early Friday admission is free, but Friday night through Sunday requires paid admission. A threeday ticket is $20. Single day admission is $10.

Information: 757-441-2345 or festevents.org

Gwynn’s Island Festival When: Friday-Saturday, June 27-28. 4-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Gwynn’s Island Community Building and grounds, Mathews County 22

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

Details: Activities include Friday night chicken dinner, music, food, arts and crafts and family activities.

Admission: Free.

Information: 757-725-7577 or visitmathews.com

Smithfield’s Olden Days Festival When: Friday-Saturday, June 27-28.

Where: Downtown Smithfield Details: Classic car shows, farmer’s market, ghost walks, vendors, arts and crafts, and the Pagan River Raft Race.

Admission: Free, but some activities are ticketed.

Information: 757-357-5182 or visitsmithfieldisleofwight.com

Latin Fest When: Friday-Saturday, June 27-28. 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Virginia Beach Oceanfront, at 24th Street Details: A celebration of Latin culture, with lots of food, activities and live music. Among the highlights is a Zumba workout marathon.

Admission: Free Information: 757-491-4866 or beachstreetusa.com

Summer BrewFest When: Friday, July 11, 5-9 p.m.

Where: Town Point Park, downtown Norfolk Details: The Summer BrewFest, sponsored by AT&T, will help folks end the work week with an extended happy hour

and live music. Sample a variety of summer beers from local, regional, national and international brewers.

Admission: Free, but beer sampling tickets will be on sale.

Information: 757-441-2345 or festevents.org

Pork, Peanut and Pine Festival When: Saturday-Sunday, July 19-20. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.

Where: Chippokes Plantation State Park, Surry County Details: Lots of good food, including a barbecue cook-off, all presented in an outdoor setting at one of the area’s historic plantations — a 1,400-acre farm established along the James River in 1619. Live entertainment both days.

Admission: $5 per person, but 10 and under are free.

Information: 757-294-3728 or porkpeanutandpinefestival.org.

Hampton Bay Days

PHOTO COURTESY OF FESTEVENTS

When: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 5-7.

Where: Downtown Hampton Details: One of the Peninsula’s biggest annual events, a celebration of the Chesapeake Bay. Live music from top acts.

Featuring games, rides, food, fireworks, crafts, environmental displays and children’s activities. Downtown Hampton.

Admission: Free Information: 727-1641, www.baydays.com/

Wine festivals are plentiful across the region.

Ribtoberfest When: Saturday, Sept. 20. Noon-8 p.m.

Where: Town Point Park, Norfolk Details: A day of beer and barbecue, with live music and competitions among local restaurants.

Admission: Free Information: 757-441-2345 or festevents.org See Page 25

BBQ, BURGERS, BLUES & SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY Voted ed d Best Barbecue rbecue 2013 2012 & 2013

10% OFF*

*with this coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Excludes alcohol. Dine-in only VA Gazette The Plate 2014

ate Clim lled o Contr eating S Patio

1622 RICHMOND ROAD • WILLIAMSBURG

757-259-1670

TAKE AVAILAOUT BLE

www.redhotandblue.com catering and events: 757-903-9689 • redhotandblue4u@gmail.com

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

23

Fall Festival of Folklife When: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 4-5 Where: Newport News Park, Jefferson Avenue and Fort Eustis Boulevard, Newport News Details: Southeast Virginia’s biggest crafts show featuring nearly 200 vendors, folk musicians, craft demonstrations and children’s activities.

Admission: Free, but $10 per car parking fee will be collected Information: www.nnparks.com

An Occasion for the Arts When: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 4-5 Where: Merchants Square, Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg Details: Annual event features nearly 140 artists in various media, juried art show, children’s activities, entertainment on several stages and food.

Admission: Free Information: aofta.org

Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival When: Friday-Saturday, Oct. 18-19.

1-6 p.m. each day.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEACH EVENTS

Craft beers from over 50 breweries will be available for sampling at the Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 18-19, 2014, at the 24th Street Park at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Where: Virginia Beach Oceanfront, at 24th Street Details: More than two dozen craft beer makers will be offering their products up for samples. Lots of food and live

music as well.

Admission: Tickets required. Fees not yet announced.

Information: 757-491-4866 or beachstreetusa.com

Southern Plantation Theme with Affordable American Cuisine.

From burgers to steaks To sit down favorites Open for Lunch & Dinner Daily Brunch Saturday & Sunday

LOCAL’S FAVORITE!

Visit our website for full menu www.seasonsofwilliamsburg.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Sun. – Thurs., 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

24

801 E. Merrimac Trail James York Plaza www.EatAtAntonios.com

110 South Henry Street, Williamsburg

(757) 258-5300

757-259-0018

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

Food, Fun & Spirits!

Poquoson Seafood Festival When: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 17-19 Where: Poquoson Municipal Park, 830 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson Details: A weekend celebrating the men and women who work the bay and harvest its bounty. Features arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, dozens of food vendors, watermen’s heritage display and fireworks. Lots and lots of fresh seafood.

Admission: Free, but a $5 per car parking fee will be collected.

Information: poquosonseafoodfestival.com

Town Point Virginia Wine Festival When: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 18-19 Where: Town Point Park, downtown Norfolk Details: One of the region’s largest gatherings of Virginia wineries Admission: $25-$35 on Saturday,

DAILY PRESS FILE PHOTO

Hampton Bay Days means good food, good music and entertainment while learning about the Chesapeake Bay. Here, Rooster” Roberts, of Arcadia, Fla. , chef at Skin and Bones BBQ grills up ribs at Bay Days. Roberts participated in the barbecue contest.

$20-$30 on Sunday. Group rates available.

Information: 757-441-2345, www.festevents.org

Urbanna Oyster Festival When: Friday-Saturday, Nov. 7-8 Where: Throughout the town of Urbanna Details: Parade, arts and crafts, oysters cooked many different ways at this annual feast and celebration.

Admission: Free Information: 804-758-0368, urbannaoysterfestival.com

Thank you, Williamsburg for voting us #1 Best Asian Restaurant for 2013 4905 Courthouse St., next to New Town Cinemas, Williamsburg (757) 253-8898 • (757) 253-8866 • www.ichibannewtown.com

The Ultimate Fine Dining Experience

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

25

14 romantic movies to share

By Mod Content Dinner and a movie has been a dating staple for generations.

Couples often opt to stick with what works and dine out and then catch a flick -- either at the theater or curled up on the sofa at home. Choosing the right movie may take some compromise. He may believe a sexy James Bond-type girl dodging explosives and sports cars is the ultimate in cinematic excellence. She may believe it isn’t a good movie unless you’ve used a full box of tissues.

However, the movie industry and others may have their own thoughts on what constitutes an ideal movie for date night. Here are 14 movies deemed very romantic. See if they will be the right fit for your movie night. Plus when you go out to eat try one of the movie inspired dishes or drinks to set the mood.

1. Dirty Dancing: This 1980s flick stands the test of time 25 years later. Baby, a good girl from an affluent family, falls in love with Johnny, a drifter dance instructor, while she’s on a family vacation at a Catskills summer resort. This movie showcases that sometimes love transcends prestige, personal status and well-meaning fathers. Movie inspired drinkAsk your bartender for a watermelon cocktail.

2. Titanic: In another classic movie where love trumps social class, Rose and Jack fall in love aboard the doomed ship. Their passionate connection survives a tragedy and the ultimate separation. Movie inspired dishFilet mignon topped with foie gras and truffle butter.

3. The Princess Bride: A Rob Reiner movie, this fairytale tells the story of Buttercup and Wesley, a poor farm boy who wins the love of his employer. When Wesley is presumed dead and Buttercup becomes engaged to an area prince whom she doesn’t love, viewers are taken on an adventure that shows that even death cannot stop true love.

Movie inspired dish- Screeching Eel Salad (not sure you’ll find this on most menus).

26

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

4. Gone With the Wind: If a classic romance is what you desire, look no further than this epic film. Scarlett O’Hara is a conspiring woman who wants to choose her own husband, but ends up in the arms of rascal Rhett Butler amid the drama of the Civil War. Menu item- Look for Peach Trifle or Strawberry Shortcake for dessert.

5. Pretty Woman: Despite a controversial storyline that puts Richard Gere and Julia Roberts together -- he’s a businessman and she’s a prostitute -- the theme of the movie is how love has no social boundaries, and sometimes it’s better to look beyond one’s own backyard for the love of your life. Menu item- Escargot, of course, those “slippery little suckers”.

6. Legends of the Fall: A tragic but inspiring tale of three brothers who all fall in love with the same woman, Susannah, for different reasons, although only one eventually marries her in the end. Family strife and complications show the darker side of love. Menu item- elk, moose or deer.

7. A Room With a View: Lucy vacations in Italy, where she meets people who are more passion-driven than those in her native Britain. When she

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

meets Julian, a Brit who has been in Italy a while and has learned the wiles of romance, she is drawn into a liaison that she soon regrets. Menu item- When in Florence- try a pasta dish.

8. Sleepless in Seattle: Sam loses his wife Maggie and has to raise his son, Jonah alone in their new hometown of Seattle. Annie, a Baltimore reporter, hears his heartbreaking tale when Jonah calls into a self-help radio talk show on Christmas Eve. Annie becomes fascinated with Sam’s story and wonders if they should meet. Menu item- Fish or seafood 9. Bridget Jones’s Diary: A modern day “Pride and Prejudice,” Bridget is a single woman in her 30s who has a poor self-image and is also in a pseudo-relationship with her scoundrel boss, played by Hugh Grant. Bridget is consistently thrown into circumstances that involve a family friend, Mark Darcy, whom Bridget sees as uptight and boring. Eventually, however, she sees a different side of the supposedly boring lawyer. If you prefer the original tale, watch “Pride and Prejudice” starring Keira Knightly.

Menu item- You can try to find “Blue Soup” on the menu, but a better option might be a bloody mary.

10. 50 First Dates: This quirky movie tells the tale of Henry, a bachelor and player who meets Lucy, a person with short-term memory amnesia who forgets everything from the day once she goes to sleep. Reliving day after day, Lucy starts to fall for Henry, who does his best to be memorable. Menu item- Go out for breakfast and a movie, and then do it again, and again….

11. An Affair to Remember: Handsome playboy Nicky falls in love with Terry, a nightclub singer, while on a cruise from

Europe to New York, despite each’s engagement to other people.

They agree to reconnect in six months atop the Empire State Building to see if they should continue their relationship. But Terry experiences a situation that keeps her from their meeting, leaving Nicky to wonder if her love has waned. Ask the bartender for a champagne cocktail- pink champagne of course.

12. The Notebook: Allie and Noah meet at a carnival and fall in love but are kept from each other by Allie’s disapproving parents who move her away. Allie waits several years to hear from Noah before getting engaged to another, but then must satisfy her curiosity whether Noah is all right. Movie inspired menu- a simple southern crab boil.

13. The Holiday: Two women from different parts of the world agree to swap homes for Christmas and enjoy a vacation from their own lives. Iris travels from London to Beverly Hills, while Amanda goes from her opulent life to Iris’ small cottage in Surrey. Both eventually meet their romantic matches in their new locales but fret over what to do once the holiday ends. Menu item- Sushi 14. Ever After: An interpretation of the classic Cinderella story, the movie follows Danielle, who is treated poorly by her stepmother and stepsisters after her father suddenly passes away.

A bit of a hellion, Danielle catches the eye of Prince Henry, who believes her to be a countess and not the lowly servant girl she really is. Movie inspired dessert- see if pumpkin cheesecake is on the menu.

The Perfect Dilemma!

Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association Gift Certificates!

So many delicious choices.

Visit our website for a complete listing of more than 70 member restaurants. Purchase gift certificates at local BB&T bank locations, online and at the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance, North Boundary Street.

www.WaraRest.com JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

27

For the love of ricotta

By Joe Gray Tribune Newspapers

Most of the ricotta in this country is probably baked into lasagna. And that’s delicious.

But ricotta aspires to so much more. Its fresh flavor shines when treated lightly, its creamy texture soaring as well. The new vegetables of spring — the greenest peas, tiny, tender fava beans, earthy beets — make companionable partners. It can go savory or sweet.

If your relationship with ricotta is limited to enjoying it baked into lasagna or manicotti, consider its many other guises.

No less a champion than cheese authority Laura Werlin, who has written extensively about cheese (six books, including the James Beard award-winning “The All American Cheese and Wine Book”) and teaches regularly at the Cheese School of San Francisco, extols ricotta’s versatility.

“This is what I like about ricotta: It can be a chameleon and it can be the star,” Werlin says. “It can be a conveyor of flavor; it can be the flavor itself.”

Werlin has used it in brioche bread pudding and in ricotta

cake, on top of pasta and pizza. As a simple dessert, drizzled with a little honey, with candied walnuts or almonds or toasted pistachios. One of her favorite recipes is to mix ricotta into a spring pea and basil puree to spread on crostini.

“You don’t taste the ricotta, but you sense it because you have that creamy texture,” she says. “The ricotta lightens it and makes it a little more ethereal.”

Basically, wherever you might think of using fresh goat cheese, you can use ricotta, Werlin says.

The key to the best flavors in any of these applications is the same when making any dish that relies on the ingredients to do the most of the work: Buy the best you can find. In the case of ricotta, look for a fresh aroma and taste and creamy texture.

(And, we would argue, whole milk ricotta to get the full richness.)

Traditionally, ricotta is made from whey leftover from making another cheese, but it should still taste of milk, Werlin says. Handdipped is a good phrase to look for, she explains: “It is handled more gently; a lightness to it that ricotta absolutely should have.

It shouldn’t be dense.”

“Traditional basket-drained ricotta almost quivers like panna cotta or a custard. Get as close as you can (to that),” Werlin says.

Established in 2011, Wing Bistro Chicken & Waffles marks a new era in serving traditional American cuisine with a soulful twist.

The dishes characterized by grandma’s inspired recipes include over 23 dynamic wing flavors as well as mouth-watering buttermilk Belgian Waffles. Several incredible desserts to choose from including Ice Cream Waffles, caramelized Apple Bread Pudding & Homemade Fried Cheese Cake served in a martini glass!

Wing Bistro Chicken and waffles brings you youth and vitality without sacrificing the comfort and flavors that make the Chicken & Waffles rich and satisfying.

Our chicken is cooked 100% greaseless with innovative new greaseless fryers.

This results in 40%-60% lower in fat, no trans-fat and 0% cholesterol.

Buy one entrée & get 50% OFF one entrée of equal or lesser value (Dine-in only) Offer good thru June 30, 2015

2274 EXECUTIVE DR. HAMPTON VA 23666 www.wingbistro.net 28

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

Like us on

757.826.WING

Some makers with national distribution to seek out are Calabro Cheese Corp., made in East Haven, Conn., and Lioni Latticini, Brooklyn, N.Y. If you have a cheese shop nearby, it might carry ricotta from an artisan maker. Italian grocery stores and supermarkets with a good cheese selection often have fresh, hand-dipped ricotta.

When you bring it home, try it in one of the recipes or ideas here, or perhaps the simplest way is the best. This one from Werlin: Just drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh basil or rosemary. “It’s just a way to get the full essence of the ricotta and gussy it up a little,” she says. “Maybe sea salt on top.”

Ziti with ricotta Adapted from “Tasty,” by Roy Finamore. We’ve added fresh thyme for the freshness it brings.

Cook: Heat a large pot of well-salted water to a boil; stir in 1 pound ziti or penne rigati. Cook until al dente.

Mix: Meanwhile, whip 1 pound ricotta and 2 ounces fresh goat cheese (both cheeses should be at room temperature) together with a fork in a large serving bowl.

Combine: Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the cooking water. Return pasta to the pot. Stir in the cheese mixture, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; season with coarse salt and plenty of freshly ground pepper.

Stir in enough of the pasta water — a little at a time — to make a

smooth sauce. Serve with grated pecorino cheese.

Makes: 4 servings

Dish it up Laura Werlin offers a host of ways to use ricotta. Among them: On fresh melon: Mix ricotta with a little sugar and a little milk to extend it, then dollop it on along with fresh mint.

On pizza: Dollop it on. It will soften in the oven, fanning out, but won’t melt. Mix fresh chopped herbs first, if you like.

On vegetables: Steamed asparagus, with a little extra-virgin olive oil and pepper. Also zucchini, fava beans and artichokes; even thinly shaved raw artichokes. Add another cheese for saltiness, if you like, such as pecorino or Parmesan.

And from other cooks: Stuff pancakes with ricotta, says Anna Della Conte in her new book, “Italian Kitchen.”

Crostini: The small slices of toasted bread are a frequent vehicle for ricotta. “Franny’s Simple Seasonal Italian” has two ideas: ricotta with olives and pistachios, and roasted cherry tomatoes with ricotta. A breakfast crostini from Michele Scicolone’s new “The Italian Vegetable Book”: Whip ricotta with honey, spread on the crostini and top with fresh halved figs and toasted sliced almonds.

Dip: One of our favorite recipes is a simple ricotta and herb dip: Place 1 cup drained ricotta in a bowl; stir in 2 tablespoons

Since 1968, we’ve been serving the very best hot oven subs, pizza and strombolis, all made from the finest ingredients.

10% OFF

WITH THIS AD. EXPIRES 08/31/14

••••NEW YORK DELI••••

New York Deli 6546 Richmond Road

564-9258 JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

29

finely chopped herbs (a mix of any of these: basil, thyme, parsley, chives), 1 to 2 tablespoons fruity extra-virgin olive oil, and coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Allow to rest at least 30 minutes for flavors to mingle. Serve with crudite, crackers or toasted bread.

Sugar snap peas with ricotta, mint and lemon Adapted from “Franny’s Simple Seasonal Italian” (Artisan, $35) by Andrew Feinberg, Francine Stephens and Melissa Clark.

Drain: Place 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta in a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a clean dish towel; set over a bowl and refrigerate overnight. The ricotta will lose much of its water content and thicken.

Mix: Whisk the drained ricotta in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil until smooth. Whisk in kosher salt and pepper, to taste. Continue to whisk until the ricotta is fluffy and creamy.

Blanch: Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water and salt it generously. Blanch 2 cups sugar snap peas (about ½ pound) in the boiling water until bright green, 30-40 seconds. Drain; immediately transfer peas to the ice bath.

Let stand until chilled. Drain the peas; spread them on a clean dish towel to dry.

Toss: Combine the peas in a bowl with 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions, 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped mint, 2 tablespoons fresh

lemon juice, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and pepper to taste.

Serve: Smear 2 tablespoons ricotta on each of four plates.

Mound 1/2 cup of the peas on each plate. Drizzle with more olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

Makes: 4 servings

Sweet ricotta pudding This recipe is adapted from one by Melissa Roberts at Epicurious.com. She serves it with roasted grapes (2 cups seedless red grapes, halved, tossed with 1 tablespoon melted butter and 2 tablespoons sugar, roasted at 425 until tender, 10 to 12 minutes). We’ve opted for yellow raisins inside the pudding instead. Also, we used cookie crumbs to coat the pie plate instead of the breadcrumbs she calls for.

Prep: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Soak 1/2 cup yellow raisins in hot water (or sweet marsala or rum) to cover until plumped, about 15 minutes. Butter a 9-inch glass or ceramic pie plate with about 1 tablespoon melted butter; spread 1 to 2 tablespoons fine cookie crumbs in plate to coat.

Mix: Blend 1 2/3 cups whole-milk ricotta (15 ounces), 2 large eggs, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 3 tablespoons sugar in a blender until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in the drained raisins and 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped toasted pistachios. Pour batter into pie plate. Bake in middle of oven until puffed, golden, and just set, about 25 minutes. Cool pudding on a rack.

Tuscany Ristorante Italiano

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DISHES Pasta • Seafood • Steaks

Walker’s Dam Grill is a cozy fine dining Italian restaurant tucked away in the Rockahock Campgrounds in Lanexa.

Located in beautiful PENINSULA TOWN CENTER in Hampton.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

A full array of authentic Italian dishes to include pasta, seafood and great desserts.

DINNER Wednesday & Thursday LUNCH & DINNER Friday—Sunday CLOSED Monday & Tuesday

Delicious D De elic lici li cio ou us v va variety ari rie etty o off IItalian talliian ta an D Desserts essse es ert ert rts

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK for LUNCH and DINNER

12638 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA

5101 Kilgore Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666

1428 Outpost Road, Lanexa, VA 23089

(757) 757)) 989 989-0731 0731

(757) 825-0180 www.baciitaliano.com

(804) 966-8333

www.tuscanyva.com

30

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

Top 10 mispronounced foodie words

HAPPY HOUR 4-7 Tues-Fri

LIVE JAZZ SAT. NIGHTS 9:30PM

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Bruschetta (broo-SKEH-tah) Gnocchi (NYOH-kee) Gyro (YEER-oh) Huitlacoche (wheet-lah-KOH-chay) Pouilly-Fuisse (poo-yee fwee-SAY) Mole (MOH-lay) Paczki (POONCH-key) Pho (fuh) Prosciutto (proh-SHOO-toe) Sake (SAH-kay)

NO CORKAGE FEE SUNDAYS* BRING YOUR OWN WINE, ENJOY OUR FOOD. *Call for details. Certain restrictions apply.

Fresh Seafood & Prime Steak Creative Appetizers, Bar Menu & Housemade Desserts Unique Wine List Craft Beer on Draft Signature Cocktails Wine & Dines Welcome 4640 Monticello Ave. Monticello Marketplace Shopping Center Open 4pm; Closed Monday

757-224-4640 p r i m e 4 6 f o r t y. c o m

Treated Lumber Outlet

Introducing the

REVOLUTIONARY

Outperforms, outresists, outlasts…basically

OUTDECKS ALL OTHERS

Treated Lumber Outlet 5604 City Line Road • Hampton, VA

757-245-9241 Only at TLO! Trex Decking is in stock and available in ten different color selections.

Trex Transcend Railing is in stock and available in seven different color choices Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM • Sat 7AM-12PM We deliver all of Hampton Roads

w w w . t r e a t e d l u m b e r o u t l e t . c o m JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

31

Reader Showcase: SHOW US YOUR FOOD

By Felicia L. Mason felicia.mason@dailypress.com

We asked readers to show us your food photos on Eyewitness.

Several have taken up the challenge, and we’d like to showcase them here.

Eyewitness user LisaSadler posted Chicken Soft Corn Tacos saying, “Cheesecake Factory has it going on with these tacos!” A later posting was of Fried Avocado found in Yorktown. LisaSadler said of that dish, “Sliced and French fried Avocados can be found at the Water Street Grille in Yorktown overlooking the York River. Avocados are very soft and delicious. The side sauce should be something more of a white Mexican baha instead of a mixed MORE ONLINE ketchup. Overall, the food See a photo gallery of more was good.” reader food pictures at dailypress.

Eyewitness user Wilecat com/food. And be sure to post had a scrumptious dinner at your food pictures at eyewitness.

Cafe La Trois Rivah. On the dailypress.com. Look for the menu was Baked Chicken Show Us Your Food assignment. with a Pepper Beer Sauce featuring “long-grain and wild rice with lemon, and braised spinach and Swiss Chard at the Café La Trois Rivah. Don’t go looking for this because it’s what we call our kitchen in West Point,” Wilecat said. “My wife and I got into raising our cooking game about 12 or so years ago. It might not be pretty, but what’s pretty if it don’t taste good?”

“These are some of my favorite cookies,” Eyewitness user Jrawls wrote of homemade cookies. “The name of the recipe is Drop Sugar Cookies, but it’s not the sugar that defines them. It’s the raisins and orange peel. Delicious! And such a nice winter treat, when oranges are in season.”

Of Homemade Cupcakes Eyewitness user LisaSadler says, “Can you think of a better way to spend a cold winter day?”

Whether you cooked it yourself or ordered it from a menu, share what you’re eating and enjoying.

For a chance to see your food photos in the Daily Press, upload them with a short description at eyewitness.dailypress.com. And be sure to check out all of our Food content at The Dish, a blog by Daily Press food writer David Nicholson at www.dailypress.com/ food. Like and review us on Facebook at Hampton Roads Food & Drink for up-to-the-minute foodie news, contests and more.

Eyewitness user Wilecat Baked Chicken with a Pepper Beer Sauce

Eyewitness user LisaSadler Chicken Soft Corn Tacos at the Cheesecake Factory

Eyewitness user Jrawls Homemade Drop Sugar Cookies

Eyewitness user LisaSadler Fried Avocado at the Water Street Grille in Yorktown

Eyewitness user LisaSadler Homemade Cupcakes 32

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIAMSBURG POTTERY

Easy Gluten Free Blueberry Pie Courtesy of Williamsburg Pottery INGREDIENTS*

DIRECTIONS

Gillian’s Gluten Free Pie Crust (in the freezer section)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Baker’s Natural Blueberry Pie Filling Blosom French Vanilla Whipped Topping Enjoy Life Vanilla Honey Graham Cookies

Bake pie crust for 10-15 mins or golden.

Fill with Blueberry pie f lling, refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Top with Whipped topping, garnish with cookies and serve.

* All ingredients are available in the Gourmet Kitchen Marketplace at the Williamsburg Pottery.

JUNE 2014 • THE PLATE

33

STORY BEHIND THE RECIPE Shakshouka is a nostalgic dish for Chef Ika Zaken, Executive Chef of the Café Provencal and Gabriel Archer Tavern. “It’s a dish that I grew up eating for brunch,” says Zaken. “It’s quite a simple plate, which makes it absolutely necessary for all of the ingredients to be fresh and f avorful.”

Shakshouka Courtesy of Williamsburg Winery INGREDIENTS ¼ cup canola oil 3 red bell peppers, large dice 3 garlic cloves, minced 8 ripe globe tomatoes, large dice 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 1 tbsp. smoked paprika 8 eggs DIRECTIONS Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add canola oil. Once the oil is heated, sauté the red bell peppers. Once the peppers are tender, add the garlic. Cook for about a minute being careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the tomatoes and cook for about an hour. Add the cilantro and smoked paprika.

For individual portions, add shakshouka mixture to an 8” non-stick sauté pan and bring to a simmer. Crack two eggs atop the simmering mixture and cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. yields 4 portions 34

THE PLATE • JUNE 2014

Chef Ika Zaken was born in Jerusalem, Israel in 1972.

His mother taught cooking at a local culinary school and his father was in shipping. His parents had both immigrated from Morocco as young children just after the statehood of Israel was established in 1948.

“I learned to cook from my mother,” proclaims Zaken.

“She taught me that less is more and quality over quantity is the key to successful cooking.”

“Shakshouka, is something that all young Israeli women and men learn to cook during their time in the army, explains Zaken. “People take a lot of pride in who can make the best version – everyone knows how to make it, and each has their own unique way of preparing it.”

Shakshouka is frequently offered as a “special of the day” at the Gabriel Archer Tavern, one of the two restaurants on the farm at Wessex Hundred, which is also home to the award-winning Williamsburg Winery and the boutique hotel Wedmore Place. When asked if customers are familiar with the dish when it’s offered, Zaken claims that “most people have never heard of it in America, but once we describe it, usually someone at the table will order it.”

Shakshouka is often served as a vegetarian dish, but it’s common for chefs to add a spicy sausage like Chorizo.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WILLIAMSBURG WINERY

Discover French-Inspired Creations In Wedmore Place, the country hotel at The Williamsburg Winery on Wessex Hundred.

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 5:30–9:30pm

FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 757-941-0317.

Visit www.cafe-provencal.com for menu.

Wessex Hundred

An unforgettable wine and food experience awaits.

Delicious

Simplicity

The GABRIEL

ARCHER TAVERN

at The Williamsburg Winery

OPEN DAILY

Monday–Thursday 11am–4pm Friday–Sunday 11am–6pm THE GABRIEL ARCHER TAVERN AT THE WILLIAMSBURG WINERY ON WESSEX HUNDRED

5800 Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 • 757.229.0999 www.williamsburgwinery.com • www.wedmoreplace.com • www.gabrielarchertavern.com • www.cafe-provencal.com