Bistro on a Plate

One of my favorite things. I was going to call it Hereford Ham Hock to do justice to the chef, but decided that this is literally a bistro on a plate. Hats off to Chef Pemberton.

shredded ham hock

tiny capers

tiny slices of little cornichons

small long radishes sliced lengthways with some stem still on

radish leaves, baby chard

mustard-heavy vinaigrette

chopped parsley and chives

maldon sea salt

ground pepper

1. put all ingredients in a large mixing bowl
2. mix in the vinaigrette, taste for seasoning
3. serve in individual bowls making sure everyone gets the tiny capers and cornichon bits

Bologna Observations

A wonderful time in La Grassa. I'm not sure what the answer is but why isn't Bologna teeming with wonderful classical restaurants serving the best bollito misto in the world? Have I not done my homework? Need to go back and find out!

• Trattoria Bottega: after losing all hope of finding a proper trattoria, I finally struck gold with this little foodie/slow food place on the periphery. Highlights included house-cured salsiccia cruda and culatello di zibello "fatta da noi", a beautifully sourced prosciutto "Lupi stagionatura 36 mesi", a 30 week matured parmigiano "caseificio lame loca 30 mesi", ricotta tortelloni with butter and sage remarkable for the looseness of the ricotta in the pasta, the tortellini in capon broth and the cotolletta di vitella in osso alla Petroniana. Tagliatelle with chicken liver-heavy ragu delicious as well. A beautiful Herter meat slicer on display that I now want....
• Bitone: I'm afraid there's nothing better than a Sunday lunch with friends (in this case Ali, Michelle and Miguel) at a country trattoria. 15 minutes from city center for a classic take on local food. Highlights were baby tortellini in a savory custardy sauce and cotoletta alla bolognese.
• Serghei: quick lunch fix for classic trattoria Bolognese classics such as tortellini in brodo.
• Osteria del Sole (Vicollo Ranocchi): a four hundred year old tavern where a bottle of something never ceases to be poured, all at the lowest prices. Perfect prosecco in the alleyway.