Portland's Vitaly Paley on Prawns

Vitaly Paley and his wife, Kimberly, who runs the front of the house, both trained in restaurants in New York and France. Since opening Paley's Place in 1995, they've demonstrated what can happen when classical technique is applied to Oregon's local ingredients, whether it is morel mushrooms or the stunning produce from nearby Sauvie Island. One shining example is a dish of West Coast spot prawns, bursting with roe, baked in sea salt with fresh bay leaves from the Paleys' yard, cardamom, and star anise. The gentle cooking method preserves the crustaceans' meaty texture and sweetness. Like the restaurant itself, the dish is an understated but insanely delicious experience.

From “Paley’s Place” by Saveur, 2011; Photo by Todd Coleman  Source: the story.bar