September evenings with roasted chicken
Sunday night was one of those cool and quiet sort of nights, where it's warm enough to justify a cold bottle of white wine, but it's cool enough to warrant drinking it with a sweater on.
We sat outside noticing how the light is already beginning to change, it's less vibrant but somehow cozier. I still can't believe it's already September, we've been here 9 months and I feel like I just got here, like I'm still settling in. But such has been my life for the last 4 years, always feeling unsettled, with a suitcase at the ready in case we move again.
I don't have to tell you that I'm grateful for all these experiences. Four countries in four years is something I never imagined for my life.
But sometimes, on a quiet September evening, a girl just wants to sit back and feel like she's firmly planted, to wiggle her toes in the grass and know that at this time next year, she'll be staring at the same grass.
I know that it's not likely going to end up that way. The neighbours upstairs fight all the time and the traffic outside our window is noisy and rushed. Between the two of them, sometimes there's just no room left for my own thoughts.
And I'm a girl who likes her peace and quiet.
Sometimes I like to turn the stereo up, loud, but sometimes I just prefer to turn the damn thing off.
If only my neighbours had an off switch.
So yeah. It's September. Cold wine, a warm sweater, a handsome fella, and Zuni's roasted chicken with bread salad. It doesn't get much better.
I have never had this dish in the restaurant but I have made it many many times at home. Unfortunately I wasn't paying all that much attention to getting a good picture (can you blame me?) so these will just have to do.
Luckily for me, the whole recipe and instructions are already posted online at MSNBC right here.
G and I both love this dish---it looks and tastes divine.
Rushing to take a picture so we could get to the business of eating.
We sat outside noticing how the light is already beginning to change, it's less vibrant but somehow cozier. I still can't believe it's already September, we've been here 9 months and I feel like I just got here, like I'm still settling in. But such has been my life for the last 4 years, always feeling unsettled, with a suitcase at the ready in case we move again.
I don't have to tell you that I'm grateful for all these experiences. Four countries in four years is something I never imagined for my life.
But sometimes, on a quiet September evening, a girl just wants to sit back and feel like she's firmly planted, to wiggle her toes in the grass and know that at this time next year, she'll be staring at the same grass.
I know that it's not likely going to end up that way. The neighbours upstairs fight all the time and the traffic outside our window is noisy and rushed. Between the two of them, sometimes there's just no room left for my own thoughts.
And I'm a girl who likes her peace and quiet.
Sometimes I like to turn the stereo up, loud, but sometimes I just prefer to turn the damn thing off.
If only my neighbours had an off switch.
So yeah. It's September. Cold wine, a warm sweater, a handsome fella, and Zuni's roasted chicken with bread salad. It doesn't get much better.
I have never had this dish in the restaurant but I have made it many many times at home. Unfortunately I wasn't paying all that much attention to getting a good picture (can you blame me?) so these will just have to do.
Luckily for me, the whole recipe and instructions are already posted online at MSNBC right here.
G and I both love this dish---it looks and tastes divine.
Rushing to take a picture so we could get to the business of eating.
posted by Michèle at 4:32 AM
8 Comments:
Oh, a dish close to my heart. What a perfect menu to celebrate the start of fall; nothing speaks of hearth and home more eloquently than a good old roast in the oven. In one of those lovely coincidences, we had similar thoughts on this side of the Atlantic last night. Cheers to you both!
I read 'roast chicken' and got excited. Classic comfort food. Classy yet rustic.
You know, I live a few mere miles from Zuni (when I am in SF, that is) and I've never had this dish there either! (it takes forever to cook, and you have to have a dining companion who also wants to order it, and there are always other tasty sounding things on the menu). But your version looks wonderful.
I hear you on the yearning for s feeling of home. I feel it too. Are such things stronger in the fall, perhaps?
I wish my neighbors had an "off switch" also, they like to fight at 2 a.m.! I also understand your "not planted" feeling, I want someplace to call home too. Still 4 countries in 4 years is very impressive :) I should try this recipe, it looks wonderful.
Tara, I swear this dish is great any time of the year but it just seems that much more perfect on a late summer evening.
Kevin, we roast a chicken more often than I care to admit! Its just so darn easy but looks like you put in alot of effort, and that is my idea of a perfect meal. ;)
Tea, I hear you--I'm not even sure I would order this at Zuni if I went there (unless I was a regular!) because I would be tempted by the rest of the menu, including their Zuni burger which I've heard great things about.
And yes, definitely the homesickness is stronger in the fall-- at least for me-- partly because my brother has an apple orchard and the season is starting to kick in and I just think wistfully about being able to walk out and pick apples. Oy.
Kat, oh the neighbours. Mine seem to have it on schedule--every thursday night is one long shouting match. Not fun at all! You should definitely try this recipe, once you get the hang of it you almost don't have to look at the instructions any more. Although I admit that I have been making this for about 4 years so that helps too ;)
Can you believe I've still never made that salad? God, I really must hop to it. There aren't many things more perfect for a fall dinner than roast chicken.
And what is up with those neighbors of yours? I was sure things were going to end in a shoot-out that first night I was there. You'd think they would have resolved a thing or two by now, but I guess not...
K I've just finished my tea (sorry.. dinner. I'm so used to calling it that cuz of my British partner) and my dessert and now I could seriously eat a big bowl of this salad! This will defintely be on my recipe list that I will be tackling in the next 2 weeks.
Melissa, no I can't believe you have never made it! You must. Im sure you will love it. As for the neighbours, well considering how regular they are about it I think they actually enjoy it. Some people are happy in their misery I guess!
Ma-m, you won't regret it! Some of the instructions may seem daunting but once you break it down its really not all that complicated. I will tell you that I do skip the part of searing the breast of the whole chicken because I find it really awkward to do. Good luck!
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