While quite a few locavore kitchens are playing around town with our tomatoes (we’re eying you right now, Michael’s summer risotto), two of our favorite Italians are taking their inspiration a bit further. Today, S. Irene Virbila reminds us that Sal Marino is highlighting his own 22-strong team of varied home-grown tomatoes in Wednesday menus that change each week over at Il Grano, with dishes like a green zebra tomato gazpacho and caprese using Black Cherokee heirloom tomatoes.
Downtown at Drago Centro, chef Ian Gresik has his own $70 six-course “Taste of Tomato” menu being served until September 10th, with inventive uses for tomato like in his olive oil-poached halibut with tomato water, a Bloody Mary sorbet, tomato agnolotti served with chile foam, and even a dessert topped with tomato creme. See Drago Centro’s full menu below and make reservations at 213-228-8998.
Drago Centro
Through September 10th
MENU
$70 for six-courses
Additional $45 wine pairing option available
-Baby cuttlefish salad, cherry tomatoes, Bloody Mary sorbet
-Olive Oil poached halibut, tomato water, shellfish
-Tomato Agnolotti, pancetta, chile foam
-Tomato braised tripe, toasted ciabatta
-Tomato crusted veal loin, balsamic onions, smoked tomato fonduta
-Tomato creme, white chocolate, almond macaroon, basil gelato
