Hot Dish Review

I’ve been wanting an indoor grill/panini maker for a while, having watched Food Network chefs like Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis grilling seafood and making delicate little paninis oozing with cheese that look so yummy. So LC gave me a George Foreman Grill for Christmas. I was excited to cook something in it…..but what?

Just like I am known for my guacamole, LC’s Mom is known for her amazing grilled flatiron steak, flavored by her secret marinade (I managed to get the recipe!). So the first use of my grill was an ambitious one. I may show you the results later, but suffice it to say, my flatiron fell flat.

Prior to the steak dinner, I had prepared some cheeses and accompaniments to start us off. There was plenty of cheese leftover, plus half a loaf of ciabatta giving me the perfect opportunity to make panini!

I cut four thin slices of the bread, topping one with smoked gouda and arugula, the other with taleggio and ham. A little butter on the grill and in they went. With no real guideline on how long to cook panini, I checked on them frequently until they were a light golden brown and the cheese was melted.

With over ten years in the electric indoor grill business, George Foreman Grills now dominate the market. I really that he promotes healthy cooking, calling the product the Lean, Mean, Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine. Silly but effective marketing.

The final product was simple and delicious….and a perfect snack while we were snowed in!

The days leading up to Christmas are hectic for most folks. I know I’m not alone in my last minute buying and scrambling to find just the right gift. Have you noticed that they don’t even make cards for ‘Parents’ any more? Only four or five to choose from, the rest are ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’ separately. Of course we all know why….they can sell twice as many cards!

As I dashed around today, I failed to eat a proper lunch. I had a late breakfast to start, then a protein shake, so at 3:30 I was ravinous and on the road in the hood. Perfect opportunity to stop in at SAVI. My article on the market is out in the current issue of Atlanta’s Finest Dining and it was prominently displayed on the counter….sweet. I remembered Paul, one of the partners, said they would have smaller sized paninis and other interesting bites when I was interviewing him.

Since my last visit the market was in full swing. A tasting of Savida Sangria was underway by the company’s owner Jay. Good stuff and they’re local!

There were lots of small wrapped sandwiches in baskets on top of the deli case. Blackboards hang above with combinations offered on sandwiches, hot or cold. The ones in the baskets were the daily special of soppresata, provolone, and pesto on half a baguette….only $.99 cents! They pressed it for me and served it in a white paper sleeve. It was so good! I ate it as I perused the wines and chatted with an old friend I ran into.

I think they got it right….it really did feel like a true neighborhood market!

287 Elizabeth Street, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-3131