By Andrea Blum ( @myamericanpantry ), Montalvo Culinary Artist
(Clockwise, left to right): Monica de la Torre, Nina C. Young, Lori Wood, Howard Hersh, Gregory Sale, Mrugen Rathod, Julian Talamantez-Brolaski, and Sandhya Bordewekar Gajjar
Why do we enjoy eating outdoors so much? What is it about eating beyond the confines of the dining room? The first thought that comes to mind is the feeling of freedom ; the cool air of dusk, the gentle breeze, the sound of crickets and the relaxed mood that naturally comes when sitting at a picnic table. The day’s work is done. The insects come out and the birds and bats feast. The dishes start arriving at the table.“Sitting outside piques your appetite,” said poet Julian Talamantez Brolaski . “It’s like camping. Everything taste better outdoors.”
Poet Mónica de la Torre said that connection to the source of all food is stronger when you eat outdoors (w hich makes so much sense! ).
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So this week we finally began the summer ritual of eating al fresco. Fish tacos seemed a perfect fit for the first night. I fried rock cod in the Ensenada style served with shredded cabbage, homemade tomatillo salsa, crema and, on this special night, Persian limes from Pie Ranch on handmade Oaxacan white corn tortillas.
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On the second night, I risked my reputation with two residents visiting from India and made chicken tikka masala. I marinated the chicken in yogurt and a homemade masala with ginger paste overnight, grilled it slowly the next day until it was caramelized and then mixed it with a spice-rich tomato sauce with yogurt. I served that with roti, cardamom rice, a carrot salad and a beautiful cauliflower and potato dish made by Indian curator and writer Sandyha Gajjar .
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The third night, fresh basil and parsley inspired me to make a green walnut pesto, served with garlic bread crumbs for a crunch, a green little gem salad and grilled skirt steak! That night, fresh cherries inspired a gluten-free clafoutis made with almond flour. Artist Gregory Sale said it sweetly: “Being outside in nice weather soothes and heals somehow. I’m either taking care of myself or I’m being taken care of and treated well. Summer memories wash over me. Reminds me to pause. We all brighten up a bit. T ha nk y ou for the gift!”
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