IN Greensburg-Salem Summer 2014 | Page 5

IN GOOD TASTE Candid conversations with the dining scene’s most engaging chefs Chef Eric Schwarzmeier, Cibo Piazza Cibo Piazza 1103 South Braddock Ave., Regent Square; 412.871.5923, cibopittsburgh.com On the Menu: Contemporary Italian Cuisine Recently, Bon Appetit named Pittsburgh the best new food city of 2014. For the past few years, Pittsburgh has become a hotbed of trendy new restaurants with some of the best chefs in the country. Last year, Bar Marco made Bon Appetit’s Top 50 New Restaurants, and in April, The Huffington Post claimed Prantl’s burnt almond torte as the best cake America has to offer. New restaurants are popping up in neighborhoods north, east, south and west of the city, and we want you to know the chefs behind some of the best food our region has to offer. We’ve added a new department called “IN Good Taste” that will feature candid conversations with the dining scene’s most engaging chefs in your area. In addition, we’ll feature the chefs’ favorite recipes online at icmags.com. Q&A Why did you become a chef? Food is the way I’m able to express myself in an artistic manner. What led you to work at Cibo Piazza? The owners wanted an innovative chef to provide the community with a memorable dining experience. They felt our goals for the restaurant were similar in providing great customer service and exciting food. Who has influenced your cooking the most? My grandmother, Mary. The first dish she taught me to make was potato pancakes. Favorite kitchen tool? My All-Clad sauté pans. Chef Eric Schwarzmeier Best advice for a novice? Keep it low and slow—and always season your food. Favorite quick meal to prepare at home? A good roast with carrots and potatoes braised in red wine. Enjoy! Favorite place to eat within walking distance of Cibo Piazza? D’s Six Pax and Dogz—it’s across the street. Seared Lemon Scallops in White Wine By Eric Schwarzmeier, Chef, Cibo Piazza Ingredients 6 bay or diver scallops 1 cup dry white wine 2 cloves of garlic (chopped) 1 tbsp. butter Your favorite go-to ingredient? Fresh basil. 10 leaves of chopped Italian parsley Salt and pepper 1 whole lemon squeezed All purpose flour (for dusting scallops) 3 tbsp. olive oil Directions Lightly dust scallops in flour. In a medium sauté pan heat olive oil until hot. Place scallops and sear until golden, flip and sear other side until golden brown. Remove scallops and set aside. In the same sauté pan, add garlic and deglaze with white wine and lemon. Let the wine cook down by half and then stir in the butter, add scallops for a brief second then plate topped with parsley and remaining sauce. What’s the next big food or dining trend? Trendy restaurants come and go, but a good delicious Italian meal will live forever. —Reese Randall Visit us online For one of chef Eric Schwarzmeier’s fave recipes, go to icmags.com/recipe Greensburg-Salem | Summer 2014 | icmags.com 3