GUEST BLOG: Southern Boy Goes To Cali

What could a guy from Orange Virginia look to find in the laid back town of Pasadena, California? My initial answer would be good food, good friends and good wine. I would have to take my friends word that the wine was good, but the food was a tapestry of flavors and textures that both stimulate the palate and satisfy the soul.

I recently traveled to California to visit my friend Tammy Tu. Knowing that she is a culinary artist; I looked forward to one of her famous home cooked meals and I can honestly tell you I was not disappointed. Early in the afternoon, we went to the farmers market to pick out fresh vegetables. Being from Orange, VA, I am used to farmers markets, but this one was pretty unique. It reminded me of a fiesta. The streets are closed down and the local artists played music and the numerous farmers sold their California produce. In addition to the fresh produce, there were also local vendors that came out to delight the local community with their smorgasbord of ethnic delights.

After we sampled from the local farmers market and Tammy picked up the fresh grown produce she needed for her meal, we made our way back to her apartment to begin. I say we, but the cooking was totally her. I just sat back and watched an artist at work.

The meal started with some wine, cheese and salami. This was complemented by an assortment of mustards that made the cheeses and meats pop. Heirloom tomato brushetta followed which was a French baguette topped with heirloom tomatoes and a sprinkling of fresh basil. This light, but satisfying appetizer really brought out the local flavor of the tomatoes and basil.

As we sampled the appetizers, we were delighted to see the main course almost done. This was a chicken marsala. This included chicken pan seared in olive oil and baked to perfection. The chicken was then topped with a light Marsala sauce that was made with caramelized onions, garlic, Marsala wine and olive oil. The chicken was paired with fresh seasonal peas and broccoli. From the moment we took the first bite to the end of the meal, each bite revealed a different seasoning and brought to life the textures and flavors of the complementary meats and vegetables. Everything was accompanied by garlic bread brushed with a light butter and fresh garlic. What meal would be complete without a good Napa Valley wine? A cabernet was chosen to complement the food selections.

At the end of the meal everyone was delightfully pleased with the complementary food, drink, and conversation.

I would like to thank Tammy Tu and her friends for inviting me to sample the local California culture and also the delicious fresh food that could only be prepared and grown in sunny California.

-Jason Davison
(Tammy's old roommate at VT)