Giant Diva kudos to St. Augustine, Florida, for taking small town living  and culinary expression to a whole new fabulousity level.

Bistro de Leon (12 Cathedral Place) St Augustine, Fl. : 

Owners: Chef Poinard and wife Valerie

Fine French cuisine in a relaxed bistro setting.  Locals love this place and I know why.  -affordable, classy, personable and delicious describe this place to a tee.  Owner/Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard is the master of great French sauces.  A trip to Sr. Augustine would not be complete without a visit to the restaurant.  If you’re like me, you’ll make time to visit several times over a 3-day period. Near the historic town square and trolley stop.

Laughing Shrimp on Oriental Zucchini Carpaccio

Compliments of Bistro De Leon
Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard
St Augustine, Florida

Wine Pairing Suggestion:  A California Sauvignon Blanc with its vibrant, citrusy flavors will pick up the herbal notes in this fragrant dish.

PART 1:  Ingredients for Zucchini Marinade

1 Cup virgin olive oil
2 T. honey
½ T. ground coriander seeds
1 Cup finely chopped cilantro leaves
2 large zucchini – sliced in thin rounds
2 limes – juice only
Sprinkle of salt and pepper

Combine all marinade ingredients and marinate sliced zucchini overnight in refrigerator.

PART 2:  Ingredients for Laughing Shrimp

2 Pounds peeled and deveined raw shrimp
Bouquet Garni (bundle of tied herbs to include parsley, thyme, bay leaf)
Sprinkle of salt and pepper

Poach shrimp in water with bouquet garni, salt & pepper until done – approx. 2 minutes.  Remove from liquid and chill in refrigerator.

PART 3:  Assemble Cold Plate

Arrange drained zucchini on a white dinner plate – using 3 t. of marinade as drizzle. Cut shrimp in half and dunk briefly into remaining marinade with a sprinkle of curry powder.

Arrange shrimp on top of zucchini Carpaccio.

Serve cold!