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THIS WEEK'S SPECIALS !!

Ask the Chef

"How do you come up with each week's specials?"

Over the years as we got busier in the kitchen, I knew I needed help and found Scooter.  She and I both shared a passion for ethnic comfort foods, and the Tropicale menu and weekly specials soon took on new depth. Now many years later, I’m often asked: “How do you do it? How do you produce these specials week after week with such creativity and innovation? What is your source?” To be honest, I’m not sure. It just happens. Scooter and I sit in a room and start by saying, “What do you feel like? Anything special from any vendor?” Or maybe we've just returned from a trip to some exotic country and experienced their cuisine, or maybe I happen to see something on the front of a magazine that sparks an idea, then she adds something to it, then I add something, then we change something, and soon we say, “Yeah, that’s it!” After a couple hours spent coming up with eight or so weekly specials, we always end the process with the same word: “Whew!” She and I just flow together when we talk about food. It’s a match made in culinary heaven. 

Tony Di Lembo, Chef