Why Side Dishes?

Next time you are at a restaurant, take a close look at your plate. You may have ordered meat or seafood, but the most interesting thing could be what comes with it. In this era of celebrating (even worshipping) the seasonal, sustainable, and local, side dishes often nudge out protein for the spotlight. It’s here that chefs and home cooks explore their creativity, working with an unlimited palette of colors, textures, and flavors. You see the seeds of it when you wander the farmers’ market. Watch people stopping to ogle the asparagus and stare at the bright orange cauliflower cultivar aptly named Cheddar. Isn’t this where you find inspiration, too?