Get your daily dose of Recent Dining
Post
Contributors
Become a Santana Row fan on Facebook
Follow our Santana Row Twitter feed
Spring is in the Air
SPRING IS IN THE AIR & ON THE MENU!
Whether you’re dining ‘al fresca’ at Left Bank, sipping on an Organic Strawberry Vodka Infusion at Village or dancing to the Mariachi Band at recently reopened El Jardin, there is no doubt that Spring is in the air! Spring brings more to us than just warmer weather though, it offers a wide variety of new fresh fruits & vegetables long lost since last year. And as we all try to slim down for the fast approaching summer months, you can rest easy knowing that your Spring fave’s are also good for you too! Take a look at the following Spring Features sure to be gracing restaurant menus in no time!
Rhubarb - A good source of Calcium, Fiber and Vitamin C, often found in savory sauces, pies, cobblers and crisps. Although probably not on the top of your list for things to look forward to in Spring, this is a great accompaniment to Strawberries. Look for Strawberry Rhubarb Cobblers & Crisps and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Green Peas (many varieties such as Sugar Snap & English) - Excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A. Most notable in Stir-fry’s, tossed green salads and pasta but are great on their own especially as a healthy alternative for kids. Fries are out, Peas are in!
Asparagus - A good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Folate. A vastly enjoyed vegetable that is great sautéed, steamed, grilled & chilled. Look forward to seeing this veggie all over your favorite restaurants menu, from salad to pasta and as an accompaniment to many poultry, seafood & meat entrees. You can also expect to see it highlighted as a standalone dish, possibly as a small plate or leafless salad alternative.
Blueberries - An excellent source of vitamin C and good source of Fiber. Great solo of course but also found in many Pastries, Desserts, Smoothies, Salads AND my personal fave, Cocktails! Although the extremely cold weather this winter has pushed back the harvest of this super fruit, we can expect to see beautiful plump berries very soon.
Cherries - A good source of vitamin C and fiber. Although often found next to blueberries in many similar items, they are also highly used in sauces for poultry dish’s, especially Duck. You can never argue with the simplicity of a big bowl of cherries either!
Strawberries - An excellent source of vitamin C and good source of Fiber. Probably the favorite of all berries is really more of a Summer thing but has already started making it’s way to super markets and restaurant menus by way of desserts and breakfast fare such as pancakes. For a healthier alternative look for leafy green salads tossed with fresh Strawberries and Strawberry Vinaigrette, ummmm!
