For some this brings a sense of dread, shorter days can cause seasonal affective disorder and cold winter days with unending rain are enough to bring anyone down.   For others it means a time of going inward, hibernating if you will, a restorative quieter time after a higher energy summer season.  And then there are those that are invigorated by the thought of ski season starting, the bustle of the holidays and New Year’s beginnings. 

Whatever winter means to you we can probably agree that it’s full of delicious food and drink.   Starting with Turkey and fresh Cranberry Orange Relish, transitioning to sweet treats like lacy Almond Dark Chocolate Cookies, lots of savory party appetizers like Boursin and Prociutto stuffed Mushrooms, not to mention family favorites and don’t get me started with the Eggnog, the Hot Buttered Rum, or the Cranberry Champagne Cocktail.   We wanted to take this time to remind you that Piatti Chefs are available for your recipe questions, recommendations or if you simply want to share a success so please email us or post on facebook and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours.  Don’t forget to visit your local farmer’s markets this season- there are great ingredients out there like citrus, pomegranates, persimmons, quince, leafy greens, fennel, mushrooms, cauliflower all perfect for your holiday cooking AND it supports your local farmers. Til next month…

For some people it’s a specific smell, perhaps hot pine needles or drying grass that signifies summer has arrived.  For other it’s the sound of water hitting the side of a boat or feeling a warm breeze on bare shoulders…for those in the restaurant industry it’s the food.  Sweet corn, bright tomatoes, aromatic basil, sun ripened berries, juicy plums, perfumed peaches, the list reads like a steamy summer novel.   There is nothing that inspires a chef as much as going to a farmer’s market in the still cool summer mornings, tasting produce that has been picked at its peak a few hours prior and then arranging the flavors together to form a perfect dinner special.  It’s a good life.  We encourage you to talk to our chefs, find out when market day is and ask if they have any recommendations or recipes for you to try…or, if you aren’t in the mood to cook, simply come on in for dinner.

What does summer mean to you?

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