Welcome to Home Skillet, a free-range, organic and biodynamic food and wine blog. Here is your menu:
Wednesday, June 30: The Martuscelli family name carries a certain heft in these parts. Giuseppe and Anna Martuscelli have owned and operated La Casa Pasta, an Italian landmark, for more than 30 years. Their son, Gianmarco, is the owner of the Chesapeake Inn, in Chesapeake City, Maryland.
So when a Martuscelli gets involved in a new venture, it’s worthy of attention. Gianmarco’s latest is Paciugo Gelato and Caffé, a boutique franchise he’s opened in the Christiana Mall with partner BJ Harris.
The Dallas-based chain specializes in artisanal gelato, and boasts literally hundreds of flavors, from tiramisu to pineapple-kiwi.
Find Paciugo at 470 Christiana Mall between the Target and The Cheesecake Factory.
Inexpensive booze alert: Hey, speaking of upscale chains, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza has a special offer to share with you: through the remainder of the FIFA World Cup, Anthony’s Wilmington location will serve bottles of Peroni for just $1.50 while a match is on.
Recap: Good Earth Market and chef Matt Haley’s Plate Catering teamed up Tuesday night for an amazing farm-to-table dinner extravaganza from the Good Earth Market and Organic Farm in Clarksville. The event raised funds for the Milton Theater.
I was lucky enough to be one of 100 attendants at this event, which took place literally out in the middle of Good Earth’s 10-acre farm, where tables were fastened together to make one loooooooong dinner table.
Haley and his chefs Doug Ruley and Bryan Muzik designed a menu using ingredients from Good Earth, “The Farm,” an organic chicken and egg farm, Lewes Dairy, and Old World Bakery. Southern Wine and Spirits were on hand pouring biodynamic wine.
It was a memorably night, under the stars, out in nature—and of course I had to dork it up by snapping a few photos:
White tablecloth settings were punctuated with freshly baked baguettes.
But what really blew me away was the uber-long dinner table, which stretched on seemingly forever.
It was just like The Human Centipede, except with tables.
Soon, the table was buzzing with people. People, who, unlike me, were dressed appropriately for 90-degree weather.
Farm-fresh veggies, like these squash and zucchini, were quickly roasted and dressed in but a little olive oil. Also being passed around were fresh heirloom tomatoes, and a potato salad with shaved celery, mustard seeds and lemon creme fraiche. I didn’t get a chance to photograph them because they were snatched up so quickly (often by me).
Haley’s main course was organic roast chicken finished with lemon, herbs and a light chili dressing. He was wise not to mess much with the amazingly natural, juicy, flavorful chickens. Wow, were these good. Tucked underneath there are spiced baby zucchini, carrots and squash.
All in all, it was a truly amazing event. I can’t imagine the strain of feeding 100 people at once, but Haley and his crew pulled it off, and the Good Earth folks displayed tremendous hospitality and organization as hosts. Hopefully some good money was raised for Milton Theatre, and double-hopefully they’ll have me back for the next event.
