Chef Menus at Home
Mike Isabella's Chef Menus at Home
Many of us enjoyed watching Chef Mike Isabella prepare his Mediterranean inspired dishes week after week during season six of Bravo TV’s Top Chef. We also found ourselves wishing we could taste some of his inventive creations. Lucky for us, he has joined California Walnuts as a featured chef on our Chef Menus at Home pages, and shares with us an entire menu of his creative small plates. He even offers a demonstration video of a unique cooking technique illustrating how to prepare a crispy, melt-in-your mouth walnut crusted halibut.
Chef Isabella honed his considerable skills working as executive chef at Jose Andres’ Zaytinya, for over three years. In June 2011 Isabella opened his own Italian-inspired restaurant, Graffiato in Washington D.C. “I love working with walnuts as they fit so well into the cuisine that I most enjoy preparing. They are so versatile—I use them in appetizers, entrees and desserts,” says Isabella who is clearly passionate about cooking and encourages serving his recipes family style as he feels that sharing food with family and friends is the best way to dine.
Whether preparing Isabella’s full menu, or picking and choosing favorites, each dish can stand alone. Steamed broccolini with walnut and red pepper relish adds color and crunch to any meal. Succulent shrimp kabobs and an eggplant and walnut pie with a special mascarpone and charred onion dipping sauce are sure to wow guests. And, of course whimsical rolled baklava is not to be missed. Go ahead, bring this chef menu home to share with friends and family—they won’t be disappointed.
Mike Isabella's Recipes
- Broccolini with Walnut and Red Pepper Relish, Feta
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- This simple dish packs a flavorful punch with the slightly bitter broccolini, spicy pepper relish and a mild and creamy feta. Chopped walnuts add crun... Read More
- Charred Onion Mascarpone
- By Chef Mike Isabella
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- This charred onion mascarpone dipping sauce pairs perfectly with the Eggplant and Walnut Pies, making it a delicious snack or appetizer. Read More
- Crusted Halibut Fillet with Arugula Pesto
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- Check out Chef Isabella’s unique crust making technique in the above video. The combination of walnuts, breadcrumbs and butter makes for a delic... Read More
- Eggplant and Walnut Pies with Charred Onion Mascarpone
- By Chef Mike Isabella
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- This savory pie made with phyllo dough is perfect as a starter or a more substantial side dish. Slice into pretty triangles, and offer a ramekin of ch... Read More
- Rolled Baklava
- By Chef Mike Isabella
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- This favorite Middle Eastern dessert just got better. This rolled version gives the crunchy, sweet confection a new look, but still delivers exquisite... Read More
- Shrimp Kabob with Walnut-Red Chili Sauce
- By Chef Mike Isabella
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- These kabobs pop with juicy, spicy flavor and work well with most any menu. Tangy lemon, fresh chilis and walnuts add pizzazz! Read More
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