Recipe from Ian Lynch, Ovinté • Photography by Agnes Lopez
Chef’s Statement – Ian Lynch
“I was drawn to The Forge of Vulcan because the brightest spot in the painting is the light radiating from the fire. The warm red and gold tones combined with the bright white light in the center focus of the painting remind me of cooking in Ovinté’s kitchen. From my perspective, the “brightest spot” in the restaurant is the kitchen because of all the activity and energy. My dish is a traditional Italian porterhouse and was finished in a wood-fired oven. Gherardini’s work really captures the challenges that arise when working with fire, and I wanted my dish to be something that also involved working with fire. I also wanted my dish to reflect the same amount of warmth and brightness that you see when you look at Gherardini’s work. I also was inspired by the amount of teamwork that is shown in this painting. Gherardini’s piece reminded me of all the hard work that goes on in the kitchen.”
The Art: Alessandro Gherardini (Italian, 1655 – 1723), The Forge of Vulcan, c. 1688 – 1689, oil on canvas. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick Guernsey. AG.1972.15.1. Alessandro Gherardini spent most of his career in Florence, completing commissions to decorate numerous churches and the interiors of well-known villas and palazzi. He traveled extensively and his paintings show the influence of the major artists working in the areas he visited. The Forge of Vulcan illustrates the god of fire and his Cyclops helpers as they create a breastplate for Aeneas.
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
By Ian Lynch, Ovinté
Get Chef Ian Lynch’s recipe here.
Pair it with: 2012 Tapiz Malbec
“Alta Collection” / Valle De Uco, Mendoza
