First grill of the year

Eastside Road, May 6, 2014—

A COUPLE OF FRIENDS up from the city yesterday (and it doesn't hurt that they're both chefs), so we fired up the grill for the first time this year. I'd rebuilt it for the occasion, setting firebricks on top of a provisional plywood base — the last provisional plywood base had finally given out, after three or four years' use and weather.

We built the fire with a little charcoal but mostly grape and oak wood, and Curt laid a couple of hanger steaks on the grill, and I halved some nice big spring onions, and Cook had made a delicious salad of boiled potatoes, peas, and favas.

Radishes first, with the end of that delicious smoked rillettes we'd brought home from Duende a few days ago. And, afterward, ice cream, and delicious candied tangerine peel and — angelica! Such a complex, rewarding flavor! Thanks, MJ!

Cheap Prosecco; white Rhone blend, "Madam Preston", Preston of Dry Creek; Carignane, Preston of Dry Creek, 2011