Young Foodies

By Marilyn Hunter

Gen Z. Multi-tasking, digital generation born into technology. Bold. Hungry. Curious. They text, walk, talk and even eat simultaneously.

It never ceases to amaze me how much more advanced my kids’ palates are than mine when I was a kid. Truth be told, now they’re probably more discerning with nuanced flavors than Andrew and me.

Reality struck during dinner at a local restaurant known for its molecular gastronomy- inspired menu. Chef José Andrés blends the culinary arts and sciences at The Bazaar. It’s fun, whimsical and experimental…traditional Spanish tapas served alongside “modern” ones, which are molecular versions of small plates. Both traditional and modern tapas are prepared with such genius they can be shared bite by bite. Iberico ham, Manchego cheese and verdial olives are served alongside foie gras lollipops wrapped in spun ivory-colored cotton candy.

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Melon and Prosciutto Salad

By Marilyn Hunter

I love this time of year when young spring days become warmer and longer than their older winter siblings. Now is the time to bring the outdoors inside with great seasonal fruits and veggies on the kitchen table. Melons of all varieties peak in the hot summer months, but they’re catching their stride now with respectable sweet, juicy flesh.

Cantaloupe and honeydew melons are surprisingly compatible with the sweet acidity of balsamic vinegar and cured prosciutto ham, which makes this salad perfect for any occasion, fancy or casual. It’s also great to make with kids because they love scooping melon balls, and you can set them to their task without worrying about cut fingers. They love making them and eating them so much that I now buy twice what I need to account for ravenous appetites.

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Jen’s Cinco de Mayo Kentucky Derby Celebration

By Andrew Hunter

A few weeks back my cousin, Jenifer, posed a challenge: “Cinco de Mayo AND Derby Day on the same day?!? Might I beg...er, politely request, Andrew, that you post a few menu suggestions and recipes on Special Fork? Keep in mind, we don’t expect to be 100% sober on this magical day that honors both margaritas and mint juleps. :)”

So Jen, this one’s for you. No confusion or crazy fusion, just accommodation of both celebrations, side by side. Here are two of my favorite drinks and dips for your table this Saturday. Spiced Margaritas served with chips and Pineapple Pico de Gallo, and Mint Juleps served with Benedictine, crackers and crudités.

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Kettle Corn Style Pistachios

By Andrew Hunter

I remember as a kid eating pistachios by the sacksful. In those good old days, my fingers, palms and face would be as red as the pistachios. It simply didn’t dawn on me that pistachios weren’t naturally red. Now I know that in fact red pistachios should be avoided like the plague. Why, because inferior and even moldy nuts are dyed to hide any number of impurities.

Recently, we were wandering around a farm in Northern California and got lost in the pistachio groves. The nuts hung in bunches with split creamy beige shells exposing the tender green and rosy hued kernels, waiting to be shaken from their branches, roasted and sold at farm stands and country markets along the roadways.

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K-Town Eats

By Marilyn Hunter

Stepping into one of the myriad Korean barbecue restaurants in L.A.’s Koreatown is the next best thing to dining in Seoul. Koreatown, or K-Town as locals call it, lies just west of downtown L.A. and is our city’s center of Korean culture, shopping and food.

Korean barbecue is one of our family’s favorite nights out. The boys love cooking their dinner on a grill built into the table, from the fancy spots with gas grills to the smoky dives with charcoal pits. After all, for two little boys, it’s all about the smoke and fire.

Here’s a recipe for our favorite Korean salad that pairs perfectly with grilled beef, chicken or pork.

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