Gael Greene was one of the most important restaurant critics in New York for more than forty years. Back in 1968, when Gael started reviewing for New York Magazine, she was immediately an important voice. By the time Mark and I started in the business, her voice was second only to The New York Times. Her history is amazing: She slept with Elvis! She coined the term "Foodie!"
So Mark and I were delighted when she invited us to attend a lecture and review a new restaurant with her. It was June, 2009. The restaurant was Sfoglia on the Upper East Side. The dish that blew us all away was Chef Ron Suhanosky's Spaghetti with Tomatoes & Strawberries. Upon reading the menu, we recognized a gauntlet thrown down. It sounded so unlikely. It was a revelation! Chef explained that it only only only works with fresh, local strawberries, in season. With California Driscolls, it's a train wreck.
Well, this year we've just taken delivery on some great local strawberries. We personalize the Suhanosky's recipe slightly.,It's remarkable and we're delighted to report that we're offering Linguine with Preserved Local Tomatoes and Strawberries in Catherine Lombardi beginning tonight. Strawberry season is very short and very fickle so we've no guarantees how long this will be around. We have not made this dish in the last few years because the local strawberries weren't good enough.
Make a reservation here.
Check out our interview with Gael Green here.