Essential Eats: Massaman Chicken Curry at 55 Thai Kitchen in Golden Hill
Erin Jackson in on the hunt for all the must-eat dishes in San Diego County, like this massaman curry from Thai 55 Kitchen.
Locally Sourced: Antipasto Salad at BIGA
Since opening its doors in the Gaslamp in 2015, Biga has been known for Neapolitan-style pizzas, hearty sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, and comforting pasta dishes made with fresh, seasonal, largely local ingredients. While the carb- and cheese-heavy plates are highly recommended, if you find yourself craving something on the lighter side, the antipasto salad is always a wise choice.
The antipasto salad features a combination of locally sourced and imported veggies, including sweet and crunchy Little Gem lettuce from Be Wise Ranch, heirloom cherry tomatoes from Valdivia Farms, and shaved red onions from Stehly Farms—along with items traditionally found on an antipasto platter, like pickled pepperoncini, mild peppadew peppers, artichoke hearts, and little cubes of cured meats and cheeses imported from Italy. The specific types of meat changes from day to day, and can include Calbrese or Toscano salami, pepperoni, or Mortadella with pistachios.
The whole lot is tossed with a zippy red wine vinegar-based Calabrian dressing and topped with more cheese, for good measure.
The sheer variety of ingredients and textures means every bite is a bit different. On one bite, you might spear a forkful of greens and a cube of smoked scamorza. On another, you could pierce a buttery artichoke heart and some spicy salami.
The dynamic quality of the dish keeps things interesting, heartily challenging the notion that you don’t make friends with salad. The portion size of the dish is perfect for lunch, but it also makes a great shared appetizer. It’s a staple for the restaurant that’s available year-round, and one of the only salads served at both lunch and dinner.
950 6th Avenue, Gaslamp District, San Diego
Hours: Tuesday, 11am-8pm; Wednesday & Thursday, 11am-9pm; Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday, 9am-10pm; Sunday, 9am-8pm; Mondays Closed.
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