Saturday Beefcake: Primo Piatto

Il primo piatto in Italian cuisine is, more often than not, pasta. In an elaborate full course repast, it follows the antipasto. It took some getting used to from both native Italian restaurants and American tourists. It is a smaller portion that leads the way to the entree, the main course, il secondo piatto. Most Americans think of pasta as a main course. Il primo, which can also be rice or soup, prepares the palate for the rest of the meal. Perhaps that's why it tends to be more carbohydrate laden than the others. The following would make a great primo for four people. And here are some primo guys to help serve it up, a couple of whom are ready to serve in some interesting tennis gear.


Turkey Fried Rice

Olive/Canola Oil Combo, three tablespoons
Garlic, three cloves, crushed
Brown Rice, steamed, one pound, cooled
Turkey Sausage, Italian Style, sweet or hot, about a half pound, cut into small pieces
Eggs, three scrambled, cut into small pieces
Green Beans, about a cup, snapped into small pieces
Scallions, one bunch, chopped
Carrots, two medium, chopped, sauteed in one tablespoon olive oil
Mushroom Soy Sauce
Parsley, for garnish




1. Heat the garlic in the oil in a large deep skillet.
2. Once the garlic achieves a state of characteristic aroma, add the steamed rice and turn steadily for ten to fifteen minutes until it's shiny.
3. Add turkey sausage, eggs, green beans and carrots, mix for about three minutes.
4. Pepper to taste. Add soy sauce to taste, if desired.
5. Garnish with parsley and scallions. Serve. (not a tennis serve)