I love calamari. It is one of the things, that when on the menu as an appetizer, I almost always order it. I usually enjoy it fried like everyone else, but I’ve had it grilled and enjoyed it too.
When I saw calamari octopus on the menu at BG Buda’s in Cazenovia, I was excited. What I ordered was not what I was expecting, and for one of the rare times, that was awesome.
As lent comes to an end, our mission to find the un-fish fry continues and this appetizer tops the list. It may just be the best appetizer we’ve enjoyed in forever. Yes, it sounds like a lot of hyperbole but this dish has it all.
The octopus was seasoned well, with just olive oil, salt and pepper. It is poached first, and then pan seared giving it that wonderful flavor and texture that only heat and oil can produce. The squid is cooked in the same manner, and any fears of it being rubbery instantly disappeared when it hit my tongue. It is served on a bed of cannelloni beans and tomatoes which are fantastically seasoned with herbs and olive oil.
The key to this dish is that it is meaty and not rubbery, and the Mediterranean flavors from the beans and seasoning shine through. It is definitely a winner and a great way to start dinner.