Читать книгу A Taste of Coral Gables - Paola Mendez - Страница 24

Ensalada de Pulpo

16 ounces octopus, pre-cooked

8 ounces heirloom tomato (yellow/dark red colors, diced 3/4-inch cubes)

8 ounces Roma Tomato (diced 3/4-inch cubes)

16 ounces European cucumber (diced 3/4-inch cubes)

2 ounces red onion (fine julienne)

4 ounces extra virgin olive oil

8 ounces lemon juice (fresh)

8 teaspoons dried oregano

4 teaspoons kosher salt

28 croutons

Maldon sea salt

Fresh black pepper (ground)

Olive oil

1.Place the cooked octopus on a hot grill until slightly charred. (Tip: Octopus should be just slightly charred; do not overcook.)

2.Remove from the grill and slice into 1/2-inch pieces. Reserve for plating.

3.Add tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olive oil, lime juice, oregano, and kosher salt in a small mixing bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

4.Add the croutons and toss one more time.

5.Add the salad mixture to a serving bowl. (Plating tip: Pile high by building a base and stacking a couple of pieces from the salad mixture at a time.)

6.Place the grilled octopus on top of the salad.

7.Garnish with Maldon sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, and olive oil. (Tip: Add just enough dressing to make sure the salad is not dry.)

Serves 4.

Wine Pairing

La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé.

Café at Books & Books

Coral Gables has the one of the best independent bookstores in the country, Books & Books. This bookshop is so much more than a book retailer. It has been a pillar of the community for over 30 years and has brought revolutionizing events to South Florida, including the Miami Book Fair. This nonstop literary machine hosts events year-round, bringing in all kinds of authors to speak and sign books.

Inside this amazing book-lover’s haven, you’ll find the Café at Books & Books, helmed by local celebrity chef Allen Susser. When you sit in the half-booths lining the café’s walls, you’re surrounded by books and a mosaic of photographs of famous authors who have visited the bookshop. You might also bump into a well-known local author working on his or her manuscript. The café and bookstore surround a lovely courtyard with outside seating. It also hosts monthly farm-to-table dinners.

Chef Allen has crafted a sustainable and healthy menu featuring locally grown produce. The menu includes wonderful salads, grilled cheese, quesadillas, and vegetarian options. They also offer a delightful appetizer happy hour on Fridays and live music on the weekends. It the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by books and book lovers.