On a hot summer day (or for a Labor Day picnic), Mitsitam Cafe’s Wild Rice Side salad is exactly what we’re craving. For more great recipes, Mitsitam, part of Washington DC’s National Museum of the American Indian, is publishing a cookbook this fall.
Mario Batali and Joseph and Lidia Bastianich opened Eataly today in New York. This foodies’ paradise is a superstore (50,000 square feet) featuring everything fresh and inspiring about Italian cuisine. Take a week – or two — to visit every café, wine, vegetable, cheese, fresh fish, bakery and patisserie stall. There’s even a rooftop beer garden. The best part? Eataly not only offers some of the best from Italy, but also supports local farms and markets.
Tory Entertains: Jamie’s Birthday at La Esquina
Akhtar Nawab is revamping the menu at La Esquina, New York’s late-night institution. Don’t worry—the famed fish tacos stay. Nawab shares his favorites.
My favorite dish on the new menu is… Mole de Paloma: grilled quail, pumpkin seed mole, calabasitas, bitter chocolate pastellitos.
The single most important ingredient in Mexican cuisine is… Fresh chillies.
The best way to get a Friday night reservation at La Esquina is… Try hard.
When I’m at home I eat… Whatever Ela, my 4 year old daughter, will eat.
Besides La Esquina my favorite restaurant in NYC is… Lupa. I order the sardines and vegetables. Ela gets the Bavette Cacio & Pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper). So good.
If you are the guest, say thank you with a beautiful and unique gift.
John Derian, Founder of John Derian Company
“Bring along a gift your hostess hasn’t received before. Look for ordinary housewares made extraordinary with artistic, unique touches—such as colorful leaf plates from South Africa. You could also offer up something simple, but exceptionally well made, like a beautifully blown glass pitcher or a few sturdy flower-blossom ramekins that are perfect for olives and summer snacks.”
Ideas for entertaining your littlest guests and ending the evening with something sweet.
Pilar Guzman, co-author, Time For Dinner: Strategies, Inspiration, and Recipes for Every Night of the Week
“Give each child a jelly jar to see how many lightning bugs they can catch. The winner could get a little prize—candy, perhaps, or even a package of silly bands. Another idea: Set up a mini outdoor theater. Place floor pillows draped in different colored sarongs and throws on the ground. Then project a movie onto a white screen or sheet—The Little Rascals and The Three Stooges are great choices.”
Sam Godfrey, Perfect Endings
“I’m feeling nostalgic for old-fashioned layer cakes this summer. They’re perfect for parties because people see one, and they instantly think of their childhood—and they know it’s going to taste extraordinary. On a hot summer day, I’d want a light and fruity cake. That said, if I see a chocolate layer cake that looks like my grandmother made it, I’m not going to pass it by.”
Here, the perfect menu for an evening at home with friends.
Michele Mazza, Executive Chef of Il Mulino
“For summer entertaining, we suggest our Pappardelle Pomodoro—it’s a fresh, summery, vibrant dish. And the perfect wine pairing? Prosecco Aneri from Italy.”
Pappardelle Pomodoro
8 oz fresh cut pappardelle
8 oz jar Il Mulino Pomodoro sauce
1 1/2 oz parmesan cheese
1/2 oz romano cheese
1 oz butter
1 oz Il Mulino Extra Virgin Olive Oil
black pepper to taste
1 Tbsp basil chiffonade
1. In boiling, salted water, cook pappardelle until al dente.
2. In a saute pan, heat Il Mulino Pomodoro sauce with butter until butter is melted.
3. Strain pasta well and add to saute pan.
4. Adjust flame to low. Add basil, parmesan and romano cheese, and black pepper.
5. Toss cheese in the sauce until blended.
6. Place in a pasta bowl and drizzle Il Mulino Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top.
7. Garnish with basil sprig in the center.
From the experts, setting the mood with a chic table and great playlist.
Celerie Kemble, Kemble Interiors
“The key is to bring indoor elements outdoors. For the table I like setting fine glassware and ceramic plates in soft pinks and greens on natural rattan placemats with bamboo flatware and colorful linens. For flowers an ornate urn or vase filled with leaves always looks great. Lighting is key—I love the look of indoor lamps outdoors and, of course elaborate candlesticks—make sure the candles you use aren’t brand-new. Slouchy, half-melted ones balance everything and come off as more lively and fun.”
DJ Cassidy
“Feel the breeze, feel the sun, feel the sounds.”
1. “Saturday In The Park” by Chicago
2. “Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays’” by De La Soul
3. “Club Tropicana” by Wham
4. “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie
5. “Rhythm Of The Night” by Debarge
6. “Unconditional Love” by Donna Summer featuring Musical Youth
7. “Blame It On The Boogie” by The Jacksons
8. “All This Love” by The Similou
9. “Master Blaster Jammin’” by Stevie Wonder
10. “My Boo” by Ghost Town DJ’s
When we think summer (and Indian summers), we think great entertaining. We asked the experts for tips on celebrating in style, from the perfect invite to dessert and what to wear. Check back every day this week for more on décor, music and menu.
William Miller, The Printery
“Surprise and delight people with an invitation that adds an unexpected kick to the sweetness of summer—like a spiky bright-red crab motif against a sea foam green border or even a skull-and-bones emblem against bright, happy pink—it promises your party will be great.”
