December 13, 2007 | 4 Comments

Winter Green Dumplings in Shiitake Broth – Now Live At Cafe Flora

Greendumplingsinshiitakebroth_2
Winter Green Dumplings Shiitake Broth

Cafe Flora changes much of the menu seasonally, and every few months any of the employees can put up a dish for evaluation by the management team. I offered this dumpling entree and it just went on the menu a couple of nights ago. This is my first dish on a restaurant menu, so I have to say I’m pretty excited about it!

The dumplings are made with wonton wrappers, and filled with a mixture of mustard greens, kale, and ricotta. They are served in a deeply flavored shiitake broth with sauteed slices of fresh shiitake, and garnished with parmesan, extra virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, lemon zest, and green onions.

I got the idea for this dish because I had some leftover shiitake broth from something completely different, and I was taken with the complex umami flavor. It made me think of a classic Italian tortellini in brodo (broth). But then the specific shiitake flavor lended itself to a Chinese or Japanese interpretation.

I don’t normally care for “fusion” dishes, especially when it is done for shock value. What I hope this dish does is highlight the similarities between the cuisines (the wild mushrooms, spicy greens, pasta, and broth), and then pick up a little spin from each (the Italian cheeses and the Asian green onions).

So that’s the story! If any of you are in Seattle and get a chance to try it, I’d love to hear you feedback. It is on the dinner menu only, probably for at least a month.

p.s. on 1/3/2008 – The dumplings got a review in the Seattle newspaper.

Cafe Flora in Seattle

[where: 2901 E. Madison St., Seattle, WA, 98112]

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Posted by Michael Natkin on Thursday, December 13th, 2007 in Cooking Internship, Main Courses, Recipes.

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4 Responses to “Winter Green Dumplings in Shiitake Broth – Now Live At Cafe Flora”

  1. Reply
    k
    December 15, 2007 at 11:27 pm #

    I am so happy for you. I cant wait to try it.

    savvy savorer

  2. Reply
    Anonymous
    February 26, 2008 at 3:06 pm #

    Are you going to post the recipe? this looks delic!

  3. Reply
    Cyd
    February 9, 2012 at 12:29 pm #

    I will pre-order your book immediately if this recipe is included – could you please let me know??

    Many thanks,

    Cyd

    • Reply
      Michael Natkin
      February 9, 2012 at 1:26 pm #

      Hi Cyd – nope, that particular recipe isn’t in there. But I’ve got 150 other goodies for you!

      Thanks,
      Michael

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