Battered Pecorino Cutlets with Sungolds and Crushed Olive Salsa

And, a surprise visitor!

We had a surprise last minute Hudson visitor over the weekend, which brought great joy! Our pal Wes arrived late on Friday in the pouring rain, with a flat full of strawberries, lettuces and local beer. He was driving back home after a few weeks on the south shore and decided to take the long way back. He and his partner (my dear friend Kim) hosted us for many summers at their house in Montauk. Kim deemed it our “yearly shore tour.” Given I work remotely, we’d pack up the car with Josh, our former dog, in tow and hit the road. Chad and I would bop from my dad’s ramshackled rental in Hampton Bays and then head to them for a few days before heading to wherever was next on the agenda. One year it was the dunes in Provincetown, another to Martha’s Vineyard. It was nice to be able to return the favor and host him for once. 

Montauk 2019

Wes, Kim and our friend Ray own and operate Rivertown Lodge back home in Hudson. It’s a very special place and we all moved to town around the same time, over 10 years ago. They also own Camptown across the river in Leeds. At both spaces, their chef Efrén Hernandéz is doing very impressive things in the kitchen, and in fact was nominated for a James Beard award. I highly recommend you checking both out if you’re ever up our way. 

I kept things simple for Wes’ dinner and roasted a chicken with some potatoes and fennel underneath and served it with a salad that I topped with leftover panko, pancetta and lemon zest. Berries with cream were clearly dessert. 

We woke up to the tail end of Hurricane Debby, but braved a quick morning swim before Wes’ departure. Helen and Dan had never met Wes before, but everyone was quick to get along and it turns out they have friends in common too. It feels like, for now at least, we’re all where we’re supposed to be, if that makes any sense at all. 

Helen and Dan left us on Sunday late morning and the house feels quite empty and I’m a bit adrift trying to find my pace again. Communally living for nine days brought camaraderie, which is as fun as it is special. We’ll reunite soon enough, but Helen and I are already planning a sleepover when we get back to Hudson. 

Now that everyone is gone, Chad and I have returned to shooting parts of my book in the late afternoons when the light turns to the magical hour. It’s really coming together in the most beautiful way. Helen and Rachel were also invaluable with getting some of the lifestyle shots, which I can’t wait to share.

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The below song is an Easter egg, which IYKYN. Drop it in the comments if you do. Also, I’ve always loved this song and it will lead you to a great mixed playlist even if you’re not picking up what I’m throwing down! Insert wink.

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An aside, but the Perseid meteor showers were absolutely stunning the last few nights. These photo are not filtered - shot long exposure. Too beautiful not to share.

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Battered Pecorino Cutlets with Sungolds and Crushed Olive Salsa 

One of the things I love most about being a founding partner of Oona Wine, is that for each wine we release, we also include a whole dinner party menu worth of recipes. For our latest, which is a skin-fermented Pinot Gris, I created this true showstopper of a dish. In fact, I love it so much, I’m including it in my forthcoming book - so you’re getting a sneak peak! I dredge thin chicken cutlets through an egg and cheese batter and shallow fry them until golden. The dish is topped with a bright and briny salsa composed of sungold tomatoes, crushed olives, and sherry vinegar. I love serving it family style to feel festive. Eat it outside if you are able.