Persimmon Carpaccio

Persimmon Carpaccio

Persimmon Carpaccio
Parmigiano, Arugula, Hazelnuts

This persimmon carpaccio is perfect for Fall because it captures the season’s fresh, vibrant flavors in a light, elegant dish. The combination of textures, bright notes, and subtle richness makes each bite balanced and satisfying, while the translucent orange slices and careful presentation create a visually stunning plate. It’s a refined way to celebrate the flavors and colors of the season.

Persimmons are gently sweet and delicate, so they shine when paired with ingredients that add contrast without overwhelming them. Parmigiano brings savory depth and saltiness that highlight the fruit’s sweetness instead of fighting it. Lemon and Champagne vinegar provide clean, bright acidity that lifts the flavor without the sharpness of citrus-heavy dressings. Toasted hazelnuts add warmth and texture, echoing the persimmon’s autumn character, while arugula contributes a light peppery note that keeps the dish balanced.

Persimmon Carpaccio

Persimmon Carpaccio Recipe

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Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri

Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri

Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri
Garlicky Smoked Creme Fraiche & Lemony Arugula Salad

Juicy lamb rib chops are cut from the rack and cooked to medium with a nice crust. Each chop gets a spoonful of chimichurri right on the tip of the meat for a fresh, herby kick. They’re served over a bed of peppery arugula tossed with lemon, and come with a side of garlicky smoked crème fraîche for dipping. It’s an impressive yet effortless starter guaranteed to disappear in minutes.

Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri

Chops go straight from the fridge into a hot pan—rubbed with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and seared over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side. Rested before serving so they stay tender and flavorful.

Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri Recipe

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Swordfish Milanese, Pickled Cherry Pepper Sauce

Swordfish Milanese, Pickled Cherry Pepper Sauce

Crispy Breaded Swordfish
Pickled Cherry Pepper Sauce with Dijon Mustard and Garlic, Arugula Salad

Swordfish Milanese combines the best parts of a classic Italian breaded cutlet with the firm, meaty texture and clean flavor of swordfish, which stays juicy when pounded thin and pan-fried. The crisp golden crust contrasts beautifully with the hearty fish, which holds up well to bold toppings or sauces. Paired with a bright lemony arugula salad, and a lively cherry pepper sauce, it feels hearty yet fresh—special but unfussy.

The cherry pepper sauce adds a tangy-sweet kick with gentle heat from sweet pickled cherry peppers, warmth from sautéed garlic, and a touch of Dijon for sharpness. Vermouth brings a fragrant note, while chicken stock ties it all together, creating a zesty, balanced sauce that wakes up every bite.

Swordfish Milanese, Pickled Cherry Pepper Sauce

Swordfish Milanese, Cherry Pepper Sauce Recipe

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Fresh Fig Salad with Fig Vinaigrette

Fresh Fig Salad with Fig Vinaigrette

Fresh Fig Salad with Fig Vinaigrette
Arugula, Prosciutto, Bleu Cheese, Toasted Pine Nuts, Basil

It’s fig season! Fresh figs combined with peppery arugula, crispy prosciutto, pungent bleu cheese, toasted pine nuts and a fruity vinaigrette –  this fig salad offers a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, peppery, nutty, and tangy flavors. And the figs add vibrant color to this salad. Their deep purple or green skin and the rich, pinkish flesh insides are perfect for creating a stunning summer dish.

There are hundreds of varieties of figs in the world with several grown in California:

  • The Black Mission Fig was named after the mission fathers who planted the fruit as they made their way north along the California coast. It is famous for its distinctive flavor and deep purple hue.
  • The Kadota Fig is the American version of the original Italian Dattato. It is thick-skinned and is a beautiful amber color when ripe.
  • The Brown Turkey Fig is purplish-brown in color with green shades around its neck. The pulp is an amber color and it has a very mild flavor.
  • The Calimyrna Fig is known for its delicious nut-like flavor and tender, golden skin.
  • The Sierra Fig has a light-colored green skin with a fresh, sweet flavor like a Riesling.
  • The Tiger Fig has a light yellow color with unique dark green stripes and a bright red-purple interior fruit with fruity, raspberry, citrus flavor.

If possible try to compose this salad with a few different varieties.

Fresh Fig Salad with Fig Vinaigrette Recipe

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Poolside Chicken Sandwich

Poolside Chicken Sandwich

Poolside chicken Sandwich

Grilled Chicken on a Poppy Seed Kaiser Roll
Shishito Peppers, Mozzarella, Pesto, Arugula, Garlic Mayo

It’s hot here in Vegas. The pool is officially open. And we are grilling everything in sight. Yesterday’s lunch was a delightful grilled chicken sandwich on a grilled kaiser roll with peppery arugula, herby pesto, gooey mozzarella, garlicky mayo, and a little surprise from grilled shishito peppers. Shishitos are thin-walled mild peppers with a fresh green vegetal flavor and just a whisper of heat. Every once in a while, though, you’ll come across a hot one!

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Shishito Peppers Recipe

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