Simon & Garfunkel on the Grill

Perhaps the title should be Scarborough Fair chicken?

In any case it has been a magnificent day here in Ohio, and very much un-August. The high temperature reached only 77 degrees and the low tonight will be near 50 degrees with low humidity. I expect 90+ degrees and high humidity this time of year. The upshot is that it wasn't necessary to pay the power company to run the air conditioning today and that meant that dinner could be a treat.

Pictured above is a Simon & Garfunkel chicken. If you are old enough to remember the song that began...

Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.

...then you will understand the seasoning on the free range chicken that was cooked on the charcoal grill over indirect heat. Completely crisp skin, moist flesh and a wonderful herby character from being rubbed inside and out and under the skin with the S&G herbs; parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. All were chopped together, mixed with just a tiny bit of olive oil and then the bird was totally coated with the mixture.

We added some basmati rice with fresh oregano and some carrots with chopped fresh ginger wrapped in foil and cooked on the grill with the chicken.

The wine of the evening was a 2006 Gianfranco Alessandria Dolcetto d'Alba. Bright red cherry and raspberry flavors with more tannin than I am used to seeing in a Dolcetto. There was also some oak and that wonderful acid that this grape produces. A long, wonderful finish was also a surprise as most Dolcettos seem a little short to me.

It was a tremendous compliment to the chicken and the carrots.

As the temperatures continue to drop through the evening the patio is calling and I believe I hear bagpipes in the distance - and that means a glass of single malt Scottish whisky to finish the night. After a second listen I believe the pipes are calling for an 18 year old Highland Park.

Life is good.