Weekly Meal Plan (Week 23)

Weekly Meal Plan – Week 23

This week’s meal plan is arriving slightly later than usual as I just got back from a wonderful five days of eating my way around Rome.  I even managed a sneaky day trip down to the small mountain village of Colle San Magno (home town of my Paolozzi Meat Sauce).  It’s always wonderful to re-connect with my Italian side of the family and as always we were greeted with unparalleled warmth and hospitality!

Where we ate in Rome:

I have obviously eaten many many wonderful dishes over the past few days, and I’d like to mention a couple of my favourites spots:

• Al Moro, on Vicolo Delle Bollettea, near the Trevi Fountain. A traditional restaurant established in 1929 with a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. They serve traditional Roman dishes and the clients are mainly locals rather than tourist, which I always think is good sign. Al Moro was a welcome oasis of quiet and calm away from the bustling Trevi Fountain crowds.  We ate Swordfish Carpaccio, homemade Mushroom Tagliatelle, followed by delicious Grilled Scampi and Fried Calamari.
• Antica Enoteca, on Via della Croce, near the Spanish Steps for Antipasti Platter and Pizza Amatriciana (guanciale, pecorino cheese, and tomato).
• Assunta Madre, Via Giulia, probably Rome’s best fish restaurant. Renowned for it’s freshly caught fish and shellfish.  Here we feasted on Red Prawn Carpaccio, Red Prawn Gnocchetti (small gnocchi style pasta),  followed by John Dory in a lovely tomato and black olive sauce.
• My cousin Josephine’s house, in Roccasecca.  The best Melanzane Parmigiana (aubergine parmigiana) I’ve had yet.  Must get this recipe!
• La Siesta, on a cobbled square in Sperlonga, serving simple rustic fare.  We ate a delicious homemade Tonnarelli alle Vongole, followed by Grilled Seabass.
• Alfredo Alla Scrofa, on Via della Scrofa.  A buzzing restaurant famed for it’s ribbon thin home made fettuccine.  Very busy and full of tourists which may not appeal to some.  We had mixed service, one excellent waiter (from Puglia region), the other was friendly but forgetful!   I started with a Carpaccio of Octopus with White Beans, followed by a “shared” primi of Alfredo’s famous fettuccine, and our secondi was a Platter of mixed grilled fish and seafood.

Weekly Meal Plan – Week 23

This week’s meal plan is, as usual, full of simple, tasty meals –  delicious enough for even the fussiest of eaters.  Half portions for me this week!

Monday: Jamie Oliver’s Spinach tagliatelle –  Looks fancy, but it’s really very simple and tasty.  You’ll get no complaints from the kids and can’t think of many better ways of getting spinach into them.

Tuesday:  Pork Saltimboca –   Traditionally made with veal, I prefer to use pork tenderloin.  Use up any leftover sage leaves from last week’s Sage & Parmesan Gnocchi

Wednesday: Quiche Lorraine –   So so easy, and just perfect Summer dish served with a salad.

Thursday: Chicken breasts wrapped in pancetta – an all time favourite, simple, but tasty, mid-week dish.

Friday: Chinese Spare Ribs in Hoi Sin Sauce  – Easy meal for the end of the week, get plenty of kitchen roll ready.

Breakfasts: Earl Grey Banana Bread – Will be making this loaf later in the week for a special breakfast brunch I’ll be attending at the weekend.

If you make any Gillian’s Kitchen recipes take a picture and share with me on Instagram using the hashtag #gillianskitchendotcom

Any comments or suggestions please feel free to express yourself in the comments box below .

Have a great week and don’t forget you can follow me on Instagram for frequent foodie updates.

Have a good week.

gx