Marina's Menu: PARK AVENUE TAVERN and National Meatball Day on 3/9

There's a national holiday for almost every one of your favorite foods and Thursday, March 9th is "National Meatball Day." We got some great recipe advice from Executive Chef Shane LeBlanc of Park Avenue Tavern in New York City.

LeBlanc told us how he was influenced to make his signature meatballs. "Growing up, my Aunt that would make the most amazing meatballs. As a child, these balls looked like the size of my head and they would just melt in my mouth. If only I had a time machine to go back in time and have them again for at least one more time. Unfortunately, I don't know how to build a time machine, but I do know how to cook. So I set out to attempt to recreate her famous Balls and I think I nailed the recipe."

Take LeBlanc's advice and you can make some great meatballs at home. "I start with great quality beef and add some Italian spicy sausage to kick up the fat content, which makes for a juicy ball. Of course, I couldn't forget the ricotta cheese. I roast them in a high temp oven to get a good caramelized sear on the outside surface of the ball, then I drown the balls in a spicy pork sauce made from pork shoulder and crushed red pepper flakes. This is great over some cooked pasta or just as an app with some crusty bread on the side. There is no doubt that you will definitely enjoy my family meatballs!"

Park Avenue Tavern

Head over to Park Avenue Tavern to enjoy Classic American fare just a stone's throw from Grand Central Station. Here, Executive Chef, Shane LeBlanc serves up the same meatballs that he's been enjoying since his childhood. Haskell recreates his family recipe by blending both beef and spicy Italian sausage with Ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, oregano, fennel seeds, thyme, basil, eggs, onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper. The balls are then shaped and roasted at a high temperature to get a good sear on the outside. Next they are smothered with his signature spicy pork sauce make from pork shoulder and crushed red pepper flakes. Enjoy them over pasta or with a nice hunk of fresh bread for dipping. Park Avenue Tavern is located at 99 Park Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit http://ingoodcompany.com/parkavenuetavern/.

Photo: Courtesy of Park Avenue Tavern

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