If the 50+ previously named restaurants won’t suffice, here are some additional food-related recommendations that didn’t quite fit any other list!
Tag: store bought is fine
Ina’s Mac & Cheese
Ina’s version of mac and cheese features a rich and creamy béchamel sauce infused with sharp cheddar, gruyere, and a touch of nutmeg. After tossing the cheesy goodness with the pasta, it’s all poured into a casserole dish. It’s topped with fresh tomato slices and a generous sprinkling of fresh bread crumbs then baked until golden-brown and bubbly.
Charlie Bird’s Farro Salad
Charlie Bird’s Farro Salad is a dish I’ve made countless times. It’s the perfect contrast of flavors and textures resulting in a very satisfying salad with farro, arugula, tomatoes, sliced radish, pistachios, and shaved parmesan all dressed in a lemon vinaigrette.
Ina’s Green Herb Dip
For our last brunch, I made sure to add some extra veggies to balance out the heavier dishes we were serving. While everyone patiently waited for the main courses to be ready, I served Ina’s Green Herb Dip with carrots, celery, broccoli, tomatoes and cucumbers. An absolute Ina classic.
Ina’s Ham & Leek Empanadas
Ina’s Ham & Leek Empanadas are incredibly simple to prepare, using store-bought puff pastry filled with a delicious combination of ham, gruyere cheese, spinach, leek, basil, parmesan, and creme fraiche. A bake in the oven results in golden brown, super flakey parcels with so much melty goodness inside.
An Ina-inspired dinner
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Dan Pelosi and Gus Heagerty for dinner! Given our shared love of Ina, it was only appropriate to create a menu featuring some of my favorite Barefoot Contessa recipes!
Eric Kim’s Salt-and-Pepper Ribs with Fresh Mint Sauce
I love the simplicity of Eric Kim’s Salt-and-Pepper Ribs with Fresh Mint Sauce, which took inspiration from his dad’s recipe, slicking the baby back ribs in olive oil and sprinkling with salt and pepper before roasting in a very hot oven. The simple treatment allows the ribs to shine!
Waffle Disco Fries
If you’re not familiar, disco fries are New Jersey’s answer to Canadian Poutine – crunchy fries smothered in brown gravy and melty mozzarella cheese – and they can be found in just about every diner in New York City. This recipe is based off my favorite version at the now-closed Market Diner: Waffle Disco Fries!