Quintessinal spring dish:  Fresh Fava bean, Asparagus, and Arugula Salad with Shaved Cheese, Plus a secret source for great Spanish Ingredients

 This kind of dish is what makes me love California – not just the flavors but the manner in which the ingredients were sourced.  The ingredients included asparagus and fava beans from the Torrance Farmer’s Market, both quickly blanched.  The arugula is from my garden.  I also used a Manchego cheese that far transcends what I can typically get at the local cheese store.  That is because I acquired it from secret and probably unknown grocery store called La Espanola Meats.  A tiny little place in an industrial setting, this family run business offers the stuff previously only found at restaurants.  Top of the line groceries imported directly from Spain include a variety of staples like olive oil, canned fishes, sauces, olives, crackers, and more.  But the reason to go is the meat.  It used to be illegal to import Jamon Iberico (think Proscuitto on steroids) but they have it.  Along with a fantastic Serrano.  They make their own fabulous  meats as well. Try the chorizo and other sausages.  And the cheese!  A generous selection of goat,sheep, and cow cheeses of various ages and style, you will have a hard time choosing.  They have lots of samples, that will help.  Don’t miss the baguettes, they give them to you warm and wrapped in paper.  Shopping here is like being in the old country.  I have only been there once, I can’t wait to go again and try the homemade Paella they offer on Saturdays. (You have to preorder it.)

I never had fresh fava beans until I moved to California.  And I certainly never was picking home-grown veggies out of my garden in the middle of May.  Sure I had asparagus, but it never tasted as sweet as what is locally available.  And the Ethnic shopping opportunities are endless.  *Happy Sigh.*

La Espanola Meats

(310) 539-0455

http://www.laespanolameats.co