Fried Mussels with Overnight Tomatoes, Harissa, and Saffron Sultanas

People are constantly asking me where I get my inspiration. I usually reply that it can be found anywhere: travel, books, a childhood meal, an ingredient I’ve never tasted, or a new technique. Often I’m inspired by the people I work with, especially cooks who come from faraway locales and have access to foreign food cultures that are sometimes completely unfamiliar to me.

This dish happens to have its roots right here in the West Village of New York; it was inspired by Toby, an old