Food For Thought

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Actually, Clint, grits and polenta are basically identical. The only real difference being the type of corn used.

[moldyfigg]

I'm beer brining some hot smoked chicken thighs today. I think some grits would work with that.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Here's an article about Connectcut-style lobster rolls.

http://www.ctbites.com/home/2015/7/26/best-warm-lobster-rolls-on-the-connecticut-coast-2015-update.html

[Ron Thorne]

Glad to see that the priorities are correct for Lobster Rolls in Connecticut, Jimmy. More lobster, more lobster ... .

Lobster Rolls at McDonalds?

[Ron Thorne]

Jimmy, what are your recommendations for (marinara) pizza sauce and dough? Do you make your own, or have you found some store-bought for home use that rival the best in restaurants? Many tomato-based sauces are often too sweet, but a scant few are well-balanced. Dough can also be problematic.

We have a pizza stone, so can obtain a nicely cooked pie and crust.

Thanks!

[moldyfigg]

When I make pizza, I don't use sauce, just good raw tomatoes or Sam Marzano with garlic, etc. The heat of the over cooks th tomatoes and they come out much sweeter.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Ron, like Clint, I usually don't use a tomato sauce per se. My preference would be to use canned San Marzanos which are already cooked. I just use the  mashed or blended tomatoes, not the juice (too watery). And...I use the tomatoes sparingly on a pie. More often than not, I prefer a white pie (pizza without tomatoes or tomato sauce). If you prefer to use a prepared sauce I would recommend Classico brand sauces of which there are several varieties. Or you can use a quality brand of crushed plum tomatoes, preferably San Marzano.

As for dough, I usually buy it from a local pizza joint or the supermarket. You just have to make sure when you're ready to use it that it's at room temperature and it has been rested. Also, do not roll out the dough with a rolling pin. That will only stir up the gluten and make the dough tough. It will not bake properly. One other thing, preheat your oven (and pizza stone) to the hottest temperature it can attain. Most likely that will bee 500 degrees. Hope that helps.

[moldyfigg]

I tried a Lydia Bastianich egg dish today. Break eggs into a cold non-stick plan which had a bit of oil. Add salt, a sprinkle of dried oregano and grated Parmesan, cover pan and cook for about five minutes over low heat. Excellent and different.

I make amy pizza dough in the Cuisinart processor - half unbleached white flour and half semolina, yeast, EVOO and salt. It just takes a couple of minutes.

[Ron Thorne]

Thanks, Clint & Jimmy!

Somehow I thought that San Marzanos would rise to this occasion. I've also heard very good things about Classico sauces, though I prefer to make things from scratch whenever possible. Garlic must make its way onto whatever happens, without fail.



Jimmy, do you just stretch and cajole the dough into the shape and size you want? I'm assuming that you get a chilled ball of dough from your pizzeria. Right? Has it already been proofed?

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Ron, when you buy pizza dough from a pizza joint it's usually at room temperature and ready to use. If you decide to store it in the fridge, take it out and bring it back to room temp before using. If you buy the dough from the supermarket it will be refrigerated or frozen.

As for forming the pizza here's a little tutorial.

https://youtu.be/SjYqw1CLZsA

[Ron Thorne]

Thanks very much, Jimmy!

[Jimmy Cantiello]

I was surprised to see Tony Gemignani roll out the pizza dough in that tutorial. As I said before, I'm not a fan of that method. I find that it causes the dough to tighten up and resist being stretched. But, he's an expert in pizza making so I'm sure he knows what he's doing. By the way, Gemignani's pizza joint in San Francisco is pretty awsome. They make just about every type of pizza there. Joanne and I really enjoyed our visit there.

http://tonyspizzanapoletana.com/

[Ron Thorne]

In an effort to kick start this fun, educational thread ...

Patti & I enjoyed lunch today at a favorite spot we hadn't visited in a while ... Southside Bistro. It was on-the-money, as usual. Unfortunately, the photo of Patti's delicious Shrimp & Feta Salad wasn't usable. Fresh Sourdough Bread and Extra Virgin Olive Oil are also included.



Bar in Bistro side of restaurant.



Jake's Seafood Salad - Seasonal greens, tomatoes, grilled scallops & olive tapenade. Sublime.



Peach & Raspberry Cobbler - Served warm with brown sugar-pecan crust and vanilla ice cream. Raspberry/Kiwi/Peach Coulis surrounds.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Everything looks top notch, Ron!

[timoleon]

southside bistro looks like great joint,unfortunately a bit far for me...
what kind of music do they play there?
i would like some otis redding for example while enjoying their vegatarian dishes!

[Ron Thorne]

southside bistro looks like great joint,unfortunately a bit far for me...
what kind of music do they play there?
i would like some otis redding for example while enjoying their vegatarian dishes!

We often hear jazz on their sound system, but also classic rock at times.

The food is predictably good from really fresh ingredients, local when in season. They really know how to cook seafood properly, too.

[Ron Thorne]

A recent yummy sushi evening in the Thorne house. Sake accompanied.