Yesterday I was lucky enough to be back at Lizotte’s: this time for the launch of their brand new cookbook Live & Cookin’ @ Lizotte’s Restaurant.
What’s a cookbook got to do with music I hear you ask? Plenty. Just as Lizotte’s marries good food and good music, so does this book. The traditional entrees and mains are known as support acts and headliners. The recipes offer stories of the bands that restaurant owner Brian Lizotte has cooked for over the years. As a caterer for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and Nirvana, he has plenty of stories to tell! What music fan wouldn’t want to try the shepherd’s pie Joe Cocker ate after every show, or the char-grilled baby octopus salad Michael Hutchence requested for his 30th birthday dinner? You’ll find them here, and much more.
The launch was a real treat because it brought us those two great indulgences Lizotte’s is known for: great music and that fantastic food. The friendly staff brought out trays of the dishes found in the book’s pages. I can’t wait to try my hand at the yummy macadamia nut chicken schnitzel or the delicious szechaun pepper squid.
While we tasted these tempting treats we were entertained by some of the finest musicians in the country. Up-and-coming talents Karl Broadie and Amber Lawrence warmed us up before Adam Harvey, Deni Hines, and Brian’s brother Diesel took to the stage. The undeniable highlight for us all was to see Brian and his father join Diesel for a soulful cover of Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.” It was truly magical stuff.
I’ve made no secret for my love of Lizotte’s. It’s a venue like no other, and I feel truly spoiled to live on the Central Coast so I can visit regularly. We’re not all that lucky, but now thanks to the cookbook release everyone can bring a little Lizotte’s magic home.
Live & Cookin’ @ Lizotte’s Restaurant is available at good bookstores everywhere and online from Lizotte’s.
Image source: own photos