Whether it’s date night, family time or you want to take your taste buds outside of the box, here are some scrumptious dishes from three local chefs… recipes included!

Preecha’s favorite

Authentic Thai

This dish might take you and your significant other out of the ordinary. Whether it’s just the two of you or the entire family, the noodles will have you scraping the plate for more. Go ahead and try your hand at chopsticks as well. Practice makes perfection.

Gourmet_SawaddeeThaiKitchen_ThaiTime

Check out the recipe here.

Sawaddee Thai Cuisine, 2215 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City MO 65109 and 103 E High Street, Jefferson City MO 65101

 

Steve Whitener’s favorite

Fried Chicken

Who doesn’t love comfort food? These classics are sure to please and make great picnic food as well. Pack up a basket and head for the park. Remember, no napkins required. Finger licking is acceptable.

Gourmet_PrisonBrews_AmericanDream

Check out the recipe here.

Prison Brews, 305 Ash St, Jefferson City, MO 65101

 

Rob Agee favorites

Italian Fare

When asked to create one dish that represents a typical Italian dinner, it was a bit challenging since Italian dinners are usually comprised of many courses
(usually four to five). Such the case, I chose a dish that combines three courses into one.

Five components of a traditional Italian dinner include:

Antipasto: Translated into English, it means “before the meal.” (I chose thinly sliced prosciutto, suppress, capicola and for cheese – gorgonzola,  parmigiano-reggiano, mozzarella di bufala, provolone and asiago with various olives and marinated artichoke hearts (not pictured).

Primo: Pasta is a first course, or primo, served as an appetizer and not as the main event. There are other options for the primo. I chose pasta cacio e pepe.

Secondo: The main course, or the second course, is centered around protein, which is typically chicken, meat or fish. Portions are generally small and simple. I chose chicken milano. The secondo is normally served with one or more side dishes, contorni, such as salad or vegetables.

Contorno: A platter of vegetables usually accompanies the main course. This side dish highlights the simple goodness of the vegetables. The word contorno loosely translates to “contours” and refers to the fact that the vegetable course helps shape and define the meal. I chose a fresh, sautéed version.

Dolce: A sweet ends a traditional Italian meal. I chose gelato with biscotti. We have delicious, made-from-scratch biscotti. It melts in your mouth and won’t break your teeth (not pictured).

Gourmet_MadisonsCafe_DateNight

Check out the recipe here.

Madison’s Cafe, 216 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101