From Gregg’s Kitchen
FROM GREGG’S KITCHEN Inspired by the World. Created at Home. From Gregg’s Table to Yours…. For Tonight’s Table: 🍷 In the Glass — wine, cocktail, beer and non-alcoholic pairing. 🎵 On the Playlist — a musical style or short playlist appropriate to the meal. 🕯️ Set the Table — setting, lighting, flowers/herbs, dishes and overall atmosphere. 🥂 Perfect For — the occasion: date night, friends on the patio, Sunday dinner, casual entertaining, summer evening, holidays, etc. It’s your kitchen…YOU create the moment… It’s late afternoon. The day’s heat is beginning to fade. The back door is open, music is playing quietly, and dinner isn’t something we’re rushing through tonight. Fresh herbs and zucchini came in from the garden. Shrimp came home from the market. Lemon, capers, anchovies and pasta were already waiting in the pantry. No reservations. No itinerary. No airline ticket. Just a little inspiration from the Mediterranean—and dinner waiting to happen. Welcome to Gregg’s Kitchen. For me, this IS when it’s the perfect time to create your recipe… It’s your kitchen…YOU create the mood… A warm-weather patio dinner. Dinner for two when you want something special without spending all evening cooking. Friends on the patio with a bottle of chilled wine and crusty bread in the middle of the table. A Saturday farmers-market dinner where you buy whatever looks best that morning and cook that evening. Or my favorite: The “We’re Not Going Anywhere Tonight” Dinner No plans. No dress code. No restaurant reservation. Just good food, music, wine and people you enjoy being around. 🕯️ Set the Table Don’t make this formal. I’d use a Mediterranean garden-table feeling: Natural wood or a simple white tablecloth. White or blue-and-white dishes. Clothe napkins. A small cutting board with warm crusty bread. Lemons in a bowl. A few sprigs of rosemary, basil or oregano from the garden instead of an elaborate floral centerpiece. Small candles or lanterns if you’re eating outside. And put the finished pappardelle in one large serving bowl in the center of the table. Let everyone serve themselves. That’s part of the feeling. 🍷 In the Glass My First Choice: Sauvignon Blanc Bright acidity works beautifully with the lemon, capers, herbs and shrimp. Something Italian: Vermentino This may actually be my favorite thematic pairing. Crisp, citrusy and Mediterranean in personality without overpowering the seafood. Rosé – A dry Provence-style rosé would be excellent for an outdoor summer dinner. Cocktail Limoncello Spritz -Limoncello, Prosecco, sparkling water and lemon. Simple, refreshing and visually perfect beside this dish. No Alcohol Lemon-Basil Sparkler – Fresh lemon juice, sparkling water, basil, a touch of honey and plenty of ice. Now even the non-drinker gets something intentionally paired with dinner rather than simply “water or tea.” 🎵 On the Playlist For this dinner: Mediterranean Sunset Think: Italian acoustic guitar Soft Mediterranean jazz Modern Italian café music A little Spanish guitar Easy coastal instrumentals: Search your favorite music service for “Mediterranean Dinner,” “Italian Café” or “Mediterranean Acoustic,” turn it down just enough for conversation, and leave your phone alone. That last part feels very Gregg’s Kitchen to me. 🌿 From the Garden For this recipe: Tonight, From Gregg’s Garden: Zucchini • Parsley • Basil • Oregano Your recipe doesn’t have to be identical every time. If the garden gives you yellow squash instead of zucchini, use it. Have fresh cherry tomatoes that need picking? Add a handful. That’s how this dish was created in the first place. The garden helps decide what’s for dinner.