The definition of Memorial Day is often associated with the beginning of grilling season with big family barbecues and weekends spent picnicking in the park with friends. While not everything about that definition quite holds this year—with most things in our lives being anything but typical right now— but you can still plan to make this three day weekend feel fun and festive with the new normal. While this Memorial Day will look and feel starkly different from those of years past, that doesn’t mean we can’t make it one for the books. But instead of the usual hot dogs and cold beer – which we’ll always have a soft spot for – why not switch things up by introducing some unexpected bites from the cuisine of Strega by Nick Varano.
Blackened Salmon
It’s worth it, I guarantee. For a healthy yet satisfying blackened salmon. The blackened taste brings texture and heat to this simple Italian farro salad, pineapple, jalapeno, sweet onion, corn, and cucumber wasabi vinaigrette. The flavors unite in an elegant and complex way.
Grilled Shrimp Over Field Greens
The crunchy texture and smoky flavor they pick up from the grill are all part of the pleasure. Who doesn’t love the sweetness of fresh shrimp, and their comforting flavor when they are marinated and then charred on a hot grill. Top it off wild field greens, granny smith apples, cranberries, goat cheese, and mango vinaigrette.
Rollatini Di Nico
Eggplant is a traditional southern Italy entree that may have originated in Naples. This scrumptious dish will always be a perfect hit! Lightly breaded eggplant, spinach, mozzarella, fresh ricotta, and San Marzano Tomato Sauce. Eggplant, we love you.
Risotto Di Mare
Risotto is like a clingy baby. You can’t put it down, you can’t walk away from it, and you can’t ignore it. Its needs are simple, it just wants all of you. Add in seafood its the perfect risotto. This is comfort food. Arborio rice sauteed with assorted seafood.
Chicken Marsala
Chicken, doused in a Marsala wine sauce with wild mushrooms. Pair it with fresh ravioli or risotto. Buon appetito! The chicken is juicy and extremely tender, and the sauce is just the right flavor and consistency. Enjoy!
Whether you plan to continue distancing at home or safely socialize while out and about our Strega Dishes with patios closed and parades on hold, this might not be the unofficial kickoff to summer we’re used to. But from the sunny social distance of your own backyard, you can still share a memorable cookout or seafood feast.
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