A Simple, Refreshing Treat
Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most memorable. A new presentation, or just something you've never seen sticks with you, alters your perspective, gets incorporated into your culinary repertoire, and shared with your family and friends. I'd never had chile pepper and salt on watermelon until the opening of Riverpark, Tom Colicchio's newest restaurant on a garden plaza in Kip's Bay on Manhattan's East River. Now, I've never eaten at the restaurant, but at the opening in June, there was a nice spread of food on the tables outside and a plate of watermelon wedges covered with lime, sea salt, and espelette chili powder really struck a chord. Zip, salt, and juicy sweet melon made for a spicy, refreshing treat. And for these reasons this dish made my list of most memorable meals of 2011.