Viande Rocks
The talented folks at Simpatica Catering in Portland did it again. They masterfully paired food to complement a sea of deserving Pinot and to comfort sixty happy dinner-campers. Here’s a picture of their braised ribs with roasted shallots and celeriac purée.
Yum!
I’m a longtime customer and fan of Viande Meats in Portland whose partners also run Simpatica Dining Hall and Simpatica Catering. Viande is located in NW Portland on 21st Avenue. These guys are founding members of the new class of rock star butchers. Really I could go on and on. And I’d have to admit that they are my secret weapon in the kitchen. They are known for their pâté, which they sell at the Farmer’s Market. Their Bolognese Sauce is terrific. So is the house-made pancetta. My Spaghetti Amatriciana depends on it. I trust them for high grade hormone free meat, and for cooking suggestions. While there, have them make you a half-sandwich…maybe a froggie with country pâté and pickled onions? There can’t be a better lunch bargain with such artisanal products. From my blog, or certainly from Scott’s, it might look like we eat 5-course winemaker dinners all the time. Yet, nothing makes Scott happier than a dish of beans and rice. And being from the South, I love to put a pot of black beans on the stove, with onions and a ham hock from Viande. Scott likes it straight up, but Pirrie and I indulge in a dollop of sour cream and sprinkling of sliced green onions, just like my mother served them. That’s what I’ll be eating while watching election returns.
