Taste FOOD FILES
GET FED MED Dishes inspired by seaside escapes along the Mediterranean Sea BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Branzino
Fat Ox Also known as Mediterranean sea bass, this fabulously light, flakey fish is roasted to perfection and served with a medley of traditional coastal Italian accompaniments including anchovies, olives and salsa verde. It also boasts fermented cranberries, which give the dish a tart pop, as well as a garnishment of fried herbed breadcrumbs for a crunch in every bite. $44. www.ilovefatox.com.
Italian Saganaki
The Sicilian Butcher Inspired by a popular shareable dish served at intimate tavernas sprinkled across Greek islands, this slight twist on traditional Saganaki is made using imported Italian cheese that is flambeed tableside in a cast-iron skillet for a show-stopping presentation. Decadent and buttery, it is accompanied by a fresh squeeze of lemon and toasted ciabatta for dipping. $14. www.thesicilianbutcher.com.
Grilled Swordfish
Flint by Baltaire Almost every dish at Flint bursts with flavors from abroad, and this center-cut sword fish loin is no exception. It is grilled over almond wood and paired with toasted Israeli couscous that has been tossed with an aromatic mix of finely diced fennel, radish and sherry vinaigrette. Bonus: It is topped with tomato caper relish and lemon-infused olive oil for an added kick. $36. www.flintbybaltaire.com.
Polenta Croquettes
The Wine Bar by Mark Tarbell A terrific take on Spanish tapas-style croquettes, Tarbell’s version trades potatoes for a polenta, which are cubed and fried until crispy. They are then plated with roasted garlic butter; Sicilian olives; earthy mushrooms; chevre; and romesco sauce made from red bell peppers, garlic, tomato puree, paprika, and toasted slivered almonds. $14. www.tarbellstavern.com.
Jamón Ibérico
Itching for an Italian escape? A getaway to Greece? Summer in Spain? Even with borders opening and COVID-19 restrictions lifting, it is likely travel abroad is still on the back burner. However, just because you can’t be in the Med this summer, doesn’t mean you can’t eat like it. Enjoy these local Mediterranean-inspired dishes all summer long.
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So Scottsdale! July ‘21
Tapas Papas Fritas Jamon, a dry-cured ham, has been a delicacy across Spain and other Mediterranean countries for thousands of years. Served traditionally, this highly marbled type of ham native to Europe is solely fed acorns, which boosts its good monounsaturated fatty acids while providing an indulgent nutty richness. $30. www. tapaspapafrita.com.
Grilled Octopus
KOVO Modern Mediterranean Due to its abundance, octopus is wildly popular in KOVO owner Yianni Ioannou’s home country of Cyprus. He shares it on his menu with this simple preparation by marinating it in citrus and olive oil, then spices things up by pairing it with some of his other favorites from the region, including both garlic-infused hummus and tahini garnished with light herbs. $16. www. kovomedi.com.
