Posted by Chef Rene on March 24, 1997 at 08:46:41:
In Reply to: Re: Giardiniera - is it hot or cold? a debate in progress posted by George on March 22, 1997 at 10:15:13:
: : I work in an Italian Ristorante, in an Italian poopulated community. A menuy item, perhaps improperly discribed is cause some conflict with my partner...mind you I see his point. On the Menu, it says "Grilled Vegetables Giardiniera" - grilled vegetable lightly marinated in balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil... My parnetner wants to serve it hot because of the grilled vgetable discriptor...Giardiniera is considered a cold appetizer of vegetables by many Italians...What would you do here...serve it cold for the name sake, or serve it hot because of the discriptor;keeping in mind that to marinate grilled vegetables, they would be cold when you were done marinating them...
: IMHO- I'm not familiar with the actual item you refeer to but, Neither, I'd serve them at room temperature. The flavor would be reduced if they were cold, and grilled vegies in general don't hold their heat well (unless your talking thick cuts like with an eggplant tournedo)
Hi:
Giardiniera is either grilled or steamed vegetables that have been marinated in olive oil, red or white wine vinegar or balsamic. Also it can be added fresh oregano, basil or italian parsley. It has to be served at room temperature. When served place the different vegetables on separate dishes.
Good luck
Chef Rene
cumbaya@concentric.net