Vincent Muraco has headed the kitchens at two of Florida’s hottest resorts – Grove Isle Resort in Coconut Grove and Vix Restaurant in Miami. And now he’s working his magic at the new Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach, with a small-plate menu of coastal Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Muraco teamed up with James Beard Award-winning Chef Joyce Goldstein to develop the menu. They studied cuisines from 22 Mediterranean countries to develop dishes that are truly authentic. “We worked intensely, ironing out over 180 recipes in just a few weeks, constantly tweaking each ingredient for every dish until we agreed on perfection,” he says. Researching recipes is one thing, but it takes talent to turn it into a culinary masterpiece. And that’s something Muraco has plenty of. At 17, he was the youngest student at the time to receive training at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. And he still enjoys his work: “I love what I do, and that is the most important ingredient, as I believe it shines through in my culinary creations.” And he’s sharing one of those creations with you. jdvhotels.com/dining/zimzala

FARRO SALAS WITH GARDEN VEGETABLES AND RED WINE VINAIGRETTE
Makes 8 servings
 
INGREDIENTS
1        cup farro, cooked and cooled
1/2     cup extra virgin olive oil
Red wine vinegar, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2     cup red onion, diced
1/2     cup celery, diced
1/2     cup fennel, diced
1/2     cup carrot, diced
1        cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1        cup tomato, diced (optional)
1        handful arugula (optional)
2        cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1        red chili, fresh, minced (optional)
2        tbs. capers, rinsed and drained
1/4     cup parsley, chopped
1/4     cup mint, chopped
1/4     cup oil-cured olives, for garnish (optional)

PREPARATION
Combine the first three ingredients with the salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Fold in the remaining ingredients, except for the olives, and adjust the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the olives. Serve at room temperature.