Strangers in the night...

It is Thursday! Hurrah. A question to you lovely readers: What great food related items have you tried out this week? Hopefully something palate pleasing and tummy satisfying.

This week has been fun and challenging. A dual: I was asked to cook a traditional Italian tasting menu for new Italy loving clients. Now for those of you who have heard me write of tasting menus before but are not quite sure what they are let me explain. A tasting menu is small portions of several 3-5 bite dishes that make up an entire meal. Usually during a tasting menu you would take your time in between courses and enjoy a few different palate cleansers to both open your taste buds up for the next menu item and help with digestion.

 Last nights menu was:

-Pane-

 Freshly Baked Ciabatta

- Antipasti -

Proscuitto and Fig

Salumi

Shaved Fennel

Caprese

- Primo -

 Tortelli Di Zucca Tradizionale

Pumpkin Ravioli, Sage Brown Butter, Shaved Parmigiano

 - Pesce -

 Cappesante Con Funghi

Scallops, Mushrooms, Fresh Herbs, Olive Oil

- Insalata -  

Market Fresh Salad

- Carne -

 Filletto Di Maiale

Roast Pork Tenderloin, Sun Blushed Tomatoes, Crisp Pancetta

-       Palate Cleanser –

Plum Liquor Fresh Orange Chill

- Formaggi -

A selection of Italian Cheese

 - Dolce -

Tiramisu

The evening was splendid. Between the scents, alive and vibrant conversation, and beautiful atmosphere the culture and influence of Italy was in the air.  I am very much looking forward to recreating this dinner and others for such wonderful company again.

As a recipe portion to this evenings blog I would like to share with you a very simple but lovely flavourful marinade you can work into a dish the next time you are cooking with meat. I used this for my pork tenderloin last night. Simply allow yourself a bit of time. A few hours before you cook your meat allow it to sit and flavour in fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic and apple. When you cook the meat the fresh bountiful flavours of these lovely ingredients will play through right into the very last bite. Buonissimo.

Eat, drink and enjoy!!