Them Dinners with Nick

While the Greek mezze dinner was a lot of fun (Big ups to Kimiko on the grape leaves, Christina on the fresh salad and sous cheffing!) it’s time to tackle the big name in small plates: tapas. 

For new friends on the list: Did you ever hear that old advice that when you’re lost in the woods the best thing to do is stay put and let people find you? Them Dinners is the calendar equivalent of that, except when you find me I have a ton of food. The first 5 to RSVP ‘yes’ get to eat, but also agree to pitch in something for the group: wine, side dish, or come a couple hours early to cook with me. Every now and then I’ll expand the guest list, but 5 (+me+housemates) keeps this thing sustainable. 

Here’s the menu:

Tapenade 

Ingredients: olives, anchovy paste, capers, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper

White bean dip

Ingredients: White beans, vegetable broth, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, parsley

Squid Ink Calamari

Ingredients: squid, squid ink, egg, flour, salt, beer, olive oil, allioli (olive oil, peanut oil, garlic, egg, lemon juice, sea salt)

Melon Gazpacho w/Prosciutto

Ingredients: cantaloupe, peaches, shallots, lemon juice, sherry vinegar, salt, olive oil, prosciutto, mint, black pepper

Ceviche

Ingredients: cod, lime juice, serrano, tomato, avocado, onion, cilantro, olive oil, salt, corn tortilla

Torta

Ingredients: olive oil, onion, potato, egg, salt, pepper, garlic, frisee, sherry vinegar

Flan

Ingredients: sugar, half and half, heavy cream, vanilla bean, cinnamon, lemon, egg, oranges

I may try for beef empanadas if I have time or can find the pre-made dough rounds to take a little of the legwork out of it. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something to bring…:)

Ok, who’s hungry? First five get to eat!

Oh, and in full disclosure, in case you missed it, I’m blogging about this now: http://themdinners.tumblr.com/

If you’re ever concerned about your photo going up, let me know. I rarely use names, and never mention last names.