Fresh Italian Recipe Contest

As you've probably heard, we're conducting our first ever "Fresh Italian" recipe contest here at 518. It's very simple, choose your favorite original Italian recipe featuring fresh ingredients and send it in. We'll choose a winner at the end of the month to receive a $100 gift card and a chance to cook your dish with us here in the kitchen at 518.

It's easy to enter, just email your recipe and contact info to us, 518west@518west.com.

Throughout the month we'll also post a sampling of the recipes we've received. Like this one from Bill Fish:

Garlicky Italian beans

Two cups shucked Borliotti beans (available at NC Framers Market as Cranberry beans or October beans)
4oz pancetta cut in small cubes
∏ small onion diced
3-4 garlic cloves chopped fine
A bay leaf
I teas. dried thyme
3-4 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 ripe roma tomatoes seeded and coarsely chopped

Saute onion, pancetta and bay leaf in olive oil until wilted and pancetta is lightly browned. Add garlic and thyme and stir for 20 seconds. Then add some broth scraping up any browned bits. Add shucked beans and broth to cover. Turn up to high and cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling reduce heat to simmer and cook until desired level of doneness with lid slightly ajar. Prior to serving add chopped tomatoes long enough for them to warm. Serve with meat of your choice.