Featured Dish
Bolognese by Chef Samir Mohammad
Food; the final component to this week’s features that I could not go another week without sharing. As you might have noticed, Industry Denver has taken quite a liking to Lala’s Wine Bar + Pizzeria this week. As a newcomer to Lala’s, I was invited to sit with Chef Samir Mohammad to talk about his latest take on a classic soul food.
Chef Mohammad prepared a savory Bolognese dish to pair with our conversation that afternoon. The Bolognese that he prepared was a direct reflection of his vision in providing a warm, comfortable spot to call home this fall. He has achieved this vision by welcoming guests to enjoy the soulful comfort foods that you might remember from when mama’s cookin’ filled the air with delicious aromas of all the foods you love.
Mohammad’s Bolognese not only calls for thick, hand-rolled pappardelle pasta, but also a sauce that will have meat-lovers drooling in anticipation. Mohammad begins with an eight hour braising of top round beef, beef strip loins, braised pork shoulder, pancetta and, yes, pork belly! From there, his fresh peppers, sweet carrots and cipollini onions are sautéed in the fat he renders from the pork shoulder and belly. [Drool]
For his grand finale, chef calls for a compliment of sage, oregano, and Red Bordeaux to season his slow cooked tomato sauce. He garnished with fresh basil and parmesan, handed me a fork and awaited my reaction. [Oh wait! He also recommends pairing with a nice Bordeaux or Super Tuscan. Boom!]
Chef Mohammad’s pride in using local organic products and creation of house-made ingredients will leave you with an empty bowl and a full belly. The Bolognese is a traditional Italian dish that tastes like anything but traditional. Stop by Lala’s this fall to enjoy the Bolognese and be sure to leave room in your refrigerator before you head over; you’ll have leftovers.
