Artichokes traditionally signal the arrival of the spring, so naturally we wanted to have our own offering for the season using these complex, yet delicious flower buds. And while there are dozens of ways to make the flavors of the artichoke shine, perhaps none is more famous than "Roman-style." Wild artichokes were known to the ancient Romans, and even now in Italy, "Carciofo alla Romano" is a popular dish. Artichokes are so popular in Italy in fact, that to call someone a "carciofo" is to good naturedly call them an idiot!

Using the traditional methods of preparation as inspiration, we created this masterpiece of the spring season. Tender whole artichokes are fried until crisp for extra flavor without taking away from the natural tangy sweetness of the vegetable. Savory garlic and tart, fresh lemon help to enhance the liveliness of this dish.

Our Crispy Roman Artichokes are the perfect accompaniment to any seasonal main course, whether it's our tender and juicy beef brisket from our Passover menu, or our other special April feature: Pesto-Crusted Salmon. So don't be a carciofo -- try this fabulous dish while it's available!