Fast, help recommend an awesome side dish

[podz]

My wife and I are leaving in a few hours to go spend the night with some friends of ours who own a large island. When we go there, we always have a large, nice dinner with at least 6 adults at the table followed by an evening of sauna and drinks. As my grilling skills are legendary among our circles, I will be in front of the grill and my wife will be in the kitchen making the sides.

I've got a four and a half pound slab of boneless rib-eye, a two pound box of langostino (huge, whole prawns) and two large eggplants all for the grill. Also got two bottles of Zenato Valpolicella wine.

Still, it seems like something is missing. Some side dish, or dips / sauces. These people probably wouldn't touch anything with any sort of chili kick to it... And my wife and I are low-carb.

What would you add? Lime aioli? Anchovy butter? Avocado-mango salad? Let's see your suggestions!

We'll be on the boat in 4 hours, but we can still purchase ingredients right up to that time.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

I don't know if they've caught on in Finland, but roasted Brussels sprouts are big here right now, and would go really well with that menu.

Roast them along with some pancetta, oil & vinegar, maybe a little lime juice on top, and some bleu, gorgonzola, or goat cheese crumbled on top.

Something along these lines: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pan-roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-pancetta

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

Oh, and by the way, I just *love* to start conversations with "oh, we're going to be hanging out with our friends who own a large island."

 

[podz]

I don't know if they've caught on in Finland, but roasted Brussels sprouts are big here right now, and would go really well with that menu.

Roast them along with some pancetta, oil & vinegar, maybe a little lime juice on top, and some bleu, gorgonzola, or goat cheese crumbled on top.

Something along these lines: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pan-roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-pancetta

Oh yeah, that sounds good! We eat them now and then. I usually fry them in creme-fraiche and butter, but this sounds even better.

 

[GuldTuborg]

Since you're going to be manning the grill anyway, why not some grilled veggies? Asparagus is a perennial favorite, especially with some evoo, lemon, salt, and freshly ground nutmeg.

Butternut squash, onions, corn, bell peppers, and beets could work well, too. The sky's the limit, really. Get whatever looks fresh.

 

[podz]

Oh, and by the way, I just *love* to start conversations with "oh, we're going to be hanging out with our friends who own a large island."

Damn, I stopped my sentence short. A large island with a well stocked liquor cabinet and enough beer to get a whale drunk.

It's a cool place. They've got a main house, a guest house, an eating gazebo next to a small cliff overlooking the sea, and a nice sauna. And, of course, a big grill.

I got a life jacket for my dog. When we tried it on, she was wondering what the hell is going on now?

 

[podz]

Since you're going to be manning the grill anyway, why not some grilled veggies? Asparagus is a perennial favorite, especially with some evoo, lemon, salt, and freshly ground nutmeg.

Butternut squash, onions, corn, bell peppers, and beets could work well, too. The sky's the limit, really. Get whatever looks fresh.

I've already got those two eggplants. Hey, we've got fresh red garlic in the stores now. Maybe I could put some that there on the grill.

Oh, I'm starting to get hungry.

 

[GuldTuborg]

I've already got those two eggplants. Hey, we've got fresh red garlic in the stores now. Maybe I could put some that there on the grill.

Oh, I'm starting to get hungry.

Hells yes. Roasted garlic, eggplant, and some rustic bread? Heaven.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

There better be some pictures!

 

[kkramer56]

Avocado Grapefruit salad - you can google it, there are a few versions. Some include other things like lettuce and shrimp. Avocado and Grapefruit go together very well. Nice starter and refreshing.

 

[podz]

Ended up going with the roasted garlic. There was way too much commotion going on with the dogs and people and boats and this and that - didn't get any grilling photos.

But I did get a few photos of the biggest basil leaf I've ever seen in my life. It was nearly as big as my hand. I'll try to post it later.

 

[Braufessor]

There better be some pictures!

Yeah - this^^^^^. Sounds awesome. Lots of good suggestions. I second the roasted brussel sprouts - did some about 2 weeks ago with some thick cut, finely diced, pepper bacon......mmmmmmmm..... bacon.