Dec20
This light meal was completely random and unplanned. Actually, it was meant to be something altogether different. On this snowy Sunday, I had plans of caramelizing onions and throwing together a lovely tart topped with goat cheese, served before a little steak dinner.
I'm not sure what happened but I forgot to get the puff pastry for the tart and I didn't take out the steak from the freezer last night. I felt like a right fool opening my freezer to find no pastry but a ziplock of beef. I stood there dumbfounded. I couldn't believe it. I was really looking forward to that tart!
Not to worry, the steak is now defrosting and I'll pick up some puff pastry tomorrow...look out for that post!
Now, back to my sandwich. Simply caramelize 1 red and 1 vidalia onion in some olive oil with a shake of salt and a pinch of sugar. After about 30-40 minutes when it's almost done add a splash of balsamic vinegar and cook for another 10 minutes or so. Two onions will yield you enough for two sandwiches plus the tart.
Slice open a ciabatta roll and pour a small amount of olive oil on it. Add some of the onions and top with pieces of goat cheese. Freshly grind some black pepper and throw some kosher salt over it. Put into a 325F oven - keep the sandwich open - for about 10 minutes. Simple as that. You can pair it with a side salad or some fresh berries and a cup of yoghurt...whatever strikes your fancy. I was extremely hungry. I ate it as is, right out of the oven.
Dec20
The day before I went to Tre for the first time to dine in, I heard no less than four random people talking about their food. I wasn't a stranger to it and how delicious it is though, I'd ordered from them before and a friend of mine had been drooling over the food for months.
I live right around the corner from Tre and while walking my dog on a lazy Sunday, I saw their signs - Tre offers a great prix fixe dinner special from Sunday - Thursday and on Monday nights they have an all you can eat pasta and meatballs dinner with unlimited sangria. Both for just $19! I rounded up the troops and we prepared to gorge ourselves on meatballs.
I must begin by saying that in order to take full advantage of this particular meal deal, come early and come hungry. It's perfect for one of those long, languorous girls nights out when you just chat and eat and drink and then chat and nibble and drink some more. For a larger group you can sit at a table but for two of you, I suggest sitting at the bar. It's really cozy and you'll get your glasses of sangria refilled quickly!
The meal is started with some gorgeous, grainy, chewy bread served with olive oil and hummus. Then onto the main course. The spaghetti and meatballs are so yummy, I don't even want to admit to how many bowls I've eaten in a sitting! The pasta is a perfectly al dente and the meatballs are big and juicy and plump and moist and it's all tied together with a beautiful tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. You'll be tempted to scarf it all down but don't do it. I suggest eating very slowly, you'll enjoy it more and you'll set your pace for slow steady eating through the night. It's a science. Trust me on this.
It's the same with the sangria, slow and steady pacing please! Tre serves unsweetened red wine sangria. The absence of sweet is a blessing the next morning but it's pretty strong stuff. I suggest asking for a side of soda water to top it with.
I love Tre! It makes me so happy, really it does. Every time I walk in there, something about it just makes me feel at home and I know the food will be delicious and nourishing. Everything is always so fresh too. Of course, I love the Monday night special but it's definitely worth your while to go in and check out their full menu. My favorite meal is the Insalata de Rughetta followed by the Pappardelle al Ragu.
I'm getting hungry just writing this...another girls night is in order soon!
