FOOD FILES

GET FED MED

Dishes inspired by seaside escapes along the Mediterranean Sea

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

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.

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

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.

Gamberi E Feta

Marcellino Ristorante

Like Ioannou, Marcellino chef-owner Marcellino Verzino is inspired by his home country of Italy as well as his extensive work and travel across the Med, including to Campania and the Greek Islands. A longtime favorite, the gamberi e feta features two marinated and grilled jumbo shrimp atop a crisp feta-based croquet. The dish also has a fresh layer of shaved, sweet red cabbage tossed with lemon dressing. $20. www.marcellinoristorante.com.

Lentil Fetoosh Salad

Pita Jungle

Inspired by Levantine Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and dating back at least 3,000 years, this rustic salad is packed with slow-cooked lentils, brown rice and caramelized onions. The rest of the salad includes lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, simply dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice and topped with crispy pita croutons. $10.99. www.pitajungle.com.

Salt Springs Mussels

T. Cook’s at Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Though the mussels are technically sourced from Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, this dish is 100% derived from the European seaside classic. Here, the mussels are floating in a bath of savory parmesan cream broth with spinach and baby heirloom tomatoes atop spicy sausage that has been soaked in white wine, spices and Pernod, which is an anise-flavored liqueur from France. Lemon juice, salt, herbs, and a side of Noble bread complete this masterpiece. $18. www.royalpalmshotel.com.

Chicken Tagine

Tash at Talking Stick Resort

Reminiscent of the sort of dish found at a local restaurant alongside the Mediterranean Sea in North Africa, this one-pot wonder is full of warm Moroccan spices, preserved lemons, olives, and dried fruit. The classic Moroccan stew is cooked in a custom handmade tagine, which is a vessel that functions like a slow cooker to lock in moisture, creating a rich, flavorful and fragrant dish. Tender seasoned chicken is delicately placed in the tagine with slow-cooked vegetables, turmeric, garlic, golden raisins, and more. $22. www.talkingstickresort.com.

Spaghetti Porcini Carbonara

Milk + Honey Espresso Bar and Eatery

This creamy pasta is a kosher version of the traditional Italian pork dish. The original carbonara hails from Rome and utilizes cured pork and egg to create a glossy plate of pasta. While most of the recipe – the pasta, egg and cheese – remains true to the classic version, the pork is replaced with porcini mushrooms, which provides the same earthy, nutty flavor and meaty texture. $22. www.milkandhoneyjcc.com.

L’Agneau

Francine

Founder Laurent Halasz developed Francine in homage to his mother, and each of his dishes is a nod to the meals she used to serve in and around his childhood home in the south of France. This tender oven-roasted rack of lamb, seasoned with rosemary and fresh lemon juice, is complemented by gnocchi, pine nuts, basil pesto and roasted cauliflower before being smoked and then quickly covered in a cloche to allow for tableside presentation. $44. www. francinerestaurant.com.