What’s one of your favorite places to visit based on their cuisine?
For our most recent trip to the Amalfi Coast, we stayed in this little town near Marina del Cantone. I discovered that the region is known for its Nerano-style zucchini pasta. The tastiest version of this pasta dish was at a family-run restaurant called Lo Scoglio. Much to my delight, Lo Scoglio was also featured on Stanley Tucci’s show Searching for Italy.
What four staples are always in your pantry or fridge?
Dried pasta, vinegar, nice olive oil, and miso!
What is your favorite summer dish to make, and how do you make it special?
My favorite summer dish is a watermelon feta salad. It’s really easy to make, refreshing, and pretty much exactly how it sounds—throw some cut watermelon, feta, balsamic vinaigrette, red onion, and mint into a large serving bowl, then top with a dash of salt and cracked pepper, and toss. The secret is to cut the watermelon into bite-size chunks so it’s easily eatable. Round it off with chicken kebabs, an orzo pasta salad, and you’ve got a tasty meal that’s easy to prep and cook while mingling with guests. It’s always a hit with guests and pairs well with a crisp rosé or chardonnay.
What’s the kitchen tool you use the most and why?
My Le Creuset 6.34-quart Dutch oven. It’s perfect for my one-pot recipes and versatile. I also love my garlic press. If a recipe calls for four cloves of garlic, I usually add the whole bulb. The press ensures you get all the flavor out of the garlic for your dishes, and it helps save on so much prep time. I also fell in love with my [limited-edition and now sold-out] portable Kingsford x Ben Baller grill.
Any grilling lessons you can share with us?
Bryan’s more of the griller, but during the summer months we’ll do staples like grilled chicken. We also love throwing pizza on the grill. It’s a perfect pairing for pinot noir, and we always enjoy a glass while we’re hanging around the grill and cooking. One tip I learned: Always do a 24-hour marinade and let any grilled meats sit for 10 to 15 minutes before you cut into them. It allows time for the meat to absorb any juices so you don’t lose that when cutting.
What’s your go-to healthy snack and splurge snack?
Ranch-flavored kale chips; Perfect Bar, blueberry flavored, which has to be refrigerated; Greek yogurt; and seaweed.
Do you listen to music when you cook at home?
A hundred percent. There’s always music playing in our house thanks to Bryan. He’s the DJ 24/7. Top songs of the summer have been “Don’t Rush” by Young T & Bugsey, “Ye” by Burna Boy, “The Way I Feel Inside” by the The Zombies, “Motorbike” by Leon Bridges, “Demeanor” by Pop Smoke and Dua Lipa, and all things Dua Lipa, Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon III album, but especially “Tequila Shots.”
