Summer’s Bounty
“Tom got up and went outside. He looked at the summer stars, at blue Venus and red Mars.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Inspiration
Often when we eat at a restaurant I am inspired to recreate a special dish from our dining experience. My recipe may only resemble the fantastic food we enjoyed at the restaurant but that doesn’t quell my food memories or the drive to be inspired by professionals. Or the final outcome of creating a great new recipe from the inspiration. This panzanella recipe is one such inspiration from Chef Brendan Jones of Lokal in Carmel Valley. Voluptuous with the over abundance of late summer in California this panzanella shouts with vivid color and sumptuous flavor. It’s just the the right mix of acid, sweet and crunch. This panzanella salad is Indian Summer on a plate. The salad ingredients of watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, lemon cucumbers, basil and toasted bread are similar to the Panzanella served at Lokal. I only wish I had the recipes for the Chef’s dressing and foam that graced my spectacular salad. If you visit the Carmel area Lokal would be a phenomenal dining experience. All offerings are fresh, seasonal and locally sourced.