Welcome to the second installment in a still brand spankin' new feature here in the mighty Smaller Bites where we'll be featuring random somewhat uncommon foods that we think are particularly delicious and that we ALWAYS order if they are on the menu (or try to convince our dining companions to share)...and remember, we are not foodies, we just love to eat.
Dish: Brandade
Ethnic Origin: French What Is It: We continue on our path that fishiness can equal deliciousness with a dish of whipped potatoes, salt cod and cheese. For those of you who think French food is just snails and pretense you would be wrong. This is stick to the ribs, salt of the earth, down and dirty peasant food and it's fantastic. Think of it like French Shepherd's Pie, but WAY better. It Tastes Like: Potatoes Au Gratin with fish, but like REALLY REALLY GOOD. Goes amazingly well with wine and all the other French fixin's..but don't order that $150 dollar Bordeaux with this, go simple and southern regional with this one. Best We've Ever Had: La Pere Pinard on the Lower East Side of Manhattan around Y2K. Sadly, it is closed now but a lot of the knowledge Mr. Bites has of food and drink comes from many meals with old, seasoned music guys at this spot. Usually these meals were followed or preceded by pinball at Max Fish, or a show at Luna Lounge or Arlene Grocery, or drinks at Motor City, Kush or the Orchard Bar (IYKYK) Where To Get It Local: We can't find it yet, but I'm sure there's some French chef out there in Naples and SWFL-Land just itching to whip up his grandma's recipe she brought to the big city from the French countryside. Make it happen and I'm all yours.
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