Red, red, red. Red is out there. Red tugs and pulls on our senses and psyche. In pure form it is bold and physical. It gives us life. It makes our heart pump. It releases adrenaline. It represents life sustaining blood. It arouses our appetite. It arouses our sensual side. So why are we so afraid of red? Why do so many of us see red paired with green and just think Christmas? Spending a lovely evening at Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles was an experience never to be forgotten. I sat at the Mozzarella Bar viewing the culinary creations of Mario Batali and his partners come to life while I savored my dinner. (see below for my dining selections.) The u-shaped counter top was lined with colorful ingredients used in the recipes from the mozzarella menu: whisper whites gleamed from the three mozzarellas, bronze spiced walnuts, banana creamed colored pine nuts, deep cactus colored fried rosemary, a green rainbow of olives, raspberry colored currants, bacon reflecting tones of brown sugar and apple cinnamon, honey and amber gold tones glimmered from the fresh honey-comb, clean ecru tones softened the Parmigiano Reggiano, with zesty green mint pesto, just to name a few. In front of me sat this gorgeous plate of roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine. The natural bright reds of these succulent tomatoes were so appetizing. Clinging to the vine the red of the fleshy tomato was complimented by the green of the vine. Each making the other more brilliant. (That's what complimentary colors do.) I was not reminded of Christmas. I saw veggies loaded with healthy antioxidants. Oh so appetizing! Hey, it is time to stop the Christmas association with red and green. Unprocessed red foods are healthy and green adds a restful restorative component to our psyche - why we love going to the park. It is time to see red and green for what they are - colors found in nature that can bring a healthy approach to our built environments. Can't handle the boldness of pure red? Then bring it down with a bit of brown and/or blue creating paprika, cranberry, baked apple, or tandori spice. All delicious and easy to live with. Grab some red and feel your senses come to life. Where is the red in your life? Living Color in food! Baby Kale with pine nuts, ricotta salata & marinated anchovies Burrata with bacon marinated escarole & caramelized shallots Tagliatelle with oxtail ragu Wine selection Morellino di Scansano La Mozza "I Perazzi" - Toscana | 200 http://www.osteriamozza.com/LA/home.cfm photos: private collection gfhayes
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AuthorGeri loves to consume color through art, architecture, photography, and interior spaces of all built environments. She is a museum enthusiast. Exploring new places, cultures, and restaurants will always be a part of her life. Geri loves the creative process of cooking with natural fresh local ingredients and adores the beauty of colorfully plated food. Archives
July 2021
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