It's a busy weeknight and you want to get a great dinner on the table fast. Giada De Laurentiis shows us how to make four pasta dishes that can all be accomplished in 15 minutes: Gemelli with Kale Pesto and Olives, Penne With Corn and Spicy Sausage, Orecchiette with Broccoli, plus Pecorino and Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta and Mint.
Giada De Laurentiis visits the Belcampo Meat Company in L.A.'s Grand Central Market to learn about different cuts of meat. Then, Giada returns home and makes three steak dishes; Broiled Porter House with Salmoriglio, Flat Iron Steak with Piquillo Pepper Pesto, Skirt Steak with Asian Bruschetta and a steak house cocktail, the Negroni Sbagliato.
Giada De Laurentiis hosts a star-themed cocktail part. The menu includes small bites like Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Lemon Basil Crema, Crostini with Ricotta and Pink Peppercorns, and Chocolate Amaretti Cookies. The decor is star related and, of course, there's an astrologist to entertain guests.
In L.A., there are numerous Italian/Asian fusion restaurants with dishes that reflect the dynamic flavors of the east and the west. In this episode, Giada De Laurentiis explores the Japanese/Italian food culture in L.A. and makes three dishes that reflect a blend of styles and flavors like Blistered Shishito Pepper With Olive and Basil Salt, Asian Mushroom Risotto and Far East Spaghetti.
It's midnight, you're starving and you feel like some good old-fashioned comfort food. Giada De Laurentiis raids her fridge and whips up some of her favorite late-night munchies, including Mortadella Bites, an Italian Monte Cristo, Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Fingers with Curry Ketchup and a Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Float.
It's a glamorous trip down memory lane and a taste of the beloved foods of Old Hollywood. Giada De Laurentiis is inspired by old menus archived at the Los Angeles Public Library and creates spins on dishes from the famous Villa Nova Restaurant, Chasen's and the Tick Tock Tea Room, with Veal Saltimbocca, Smoky Meaty Chili and Orange Sticky Buns.