al dente pasta holds the oscar
John, Deb and Miles
OK, it’s not really Al Dente Pasta holding the Oscar. It’s actually Deborah Gaydos, wife of the Oscar winner, holding the pasta. Let me explain. Many fellow U of M alumna have gone on to Fame (with a capital “F”) and John Nelson is certainly one of them. Among our group of friends, it was certainly an exciting moment when we got to watch John receive an Oscar for Special Effects in the movie, Gladiator! Now John just finished as Special Effects Director for this summer’s hit “Ironman”. Whenever John comes back to Ann Arbor, Jim Kruz gathers us together for an evening of fun, frolic and fantastic food. We get to catch up with John, Deb and Miles and take delight in how wonderful it is to connect with old friends, even when it is just once a year.
The Theme of the Party: Fresh and French
Pasta Salade Nicoise Fit Perfectly!
Al Dente Pasta Salad Nicoise
1 bag Al Dente Pasta (I used Basil Fettuccine)
1 can (high quality) tuna fish, drained
3 tomatoes, chopped or pint of cherry tomatoes
1/2 lb. green beans, blanched in salted, boiling water until tender
3 scallions, chopped
1 cup black olives, halved
1 tablespoon capers (optional)
1/2 cup feta or fresh mozzarella
For the dressing:
1/4 cup vinegar (white wine or white balsamic)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 cup chopped parsley
salt and pepper
Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and seasonings. Slowly add the oil until combined.
Cook Al Dente Pasta as directed for 3 minutes. Drain well and rinse in cold water. Combine pasta with dressing and all other ingredients. Season to taste. Serve at room temperature.
Other “Famous” People Spotted Holding the Pasta
Lisa Marra, one of Michigan’s finest Interior Designers, and Al Dente’s First Employee
Vicki Honeyman and Nina Cambron: Artists, Entrepreneurs and Long-Time Friends
A Toast to Jim Kruz (left front)! Our host, who also was Al Dente’s First Photographer.
another amazing dinner party in jim’s garden. amazing food. amazing people. and amazing to have old friends meet up again! these pictures are totally yummy!
My friend, Eileen did send me a few suggestions that I thought I better share quickly. She thinks that “canned tuna” is not fitting for Al Dente Pasta. I want to add, that of course this dish is even more spectacular with beautifully seared or grilled fresh tuna, but I did use a pretty amazing tuna from Italy that came in a glass jar purchased at the Chelsea Market, and it was great. A person can’t always get to the local fish market. But yes Eileen, in a perfect world, I will always choose fresh tuna. Thanks always.
Monique
You go Monique! And let me tell you, Al Dente Pasta Salad Nicoise was fab! It was a great party & everyone had a wonderful time!
Monique, you inspired me to get off my duff & start blogging so now I am !!
nina