ChezHelvetica Marquee: Rockfish Redux

The final performance of the Rockfish Roll Out (read: the last of the three pounds of fish) took the form of a show-stopping summer salad. A refreshing Celery Salad – also starring in an encore performance – topped the Rockfish and Red Lettuce, with both stalk and leaves in play. Organic Radishes, Parsley, Capers and Artichoke Hearts completed the cast, all drizzled in Lemon and Key Lime Juices. In the supporting role, warm Whole Grain Sunflower Seed Bread from Trader Joe’s simply dazzled with its topping of Affi’s Aubergine (Fire Roasted Eggplant and Garlic) spread. A final nod goes to Kunde Family Estate Wines. Like the award for Best Choreography, their Chardonnay made the whole show move. Final credits: Saveur Magazine, Costco, Nunez Farm, Gump’s (for the $5 platter from the employee sale) and to Mom for the Denby Dinnerware!

In The Limelight

Fog-filtered super moonlight illuminated the beautiful round citrus center stage at ChezHelvetica on this Saturday evening. Limes originated in India or Malaysia, and then were grown on large scale in southern Iraq and Persia. The path of this variety proceeded to Sicily, Andalusia and the West Indies including the Florida Keys. West Indian, Mexican or bartender Limes garnered the Key Lime name in their association with the Florida Keys. A Saveur recipe for Grilled Prawns (posted on Facebook by my friend Phyllis) called for Finger Limes but aromatic Key Limes were a delicious understudy. Basil accented Lemon and Lime Juices drizzled the Gulf Prawns (from Safeway), delightfully spilling over the Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes and Organic Broccoli (from Nunez Farm). Rich Kunde Chardonnay from Sonoma Valley accompanied our entree and also dessert of Tory Farms incredible Peaches and Roasted Inzana Ranch Walnuts. Spilling over – definitely the key words for this evening!