1022. SWORDFISH and SMOKED BACON CLUB SANDWICH

serves four


2 pounds swordfish, cut into four 1/2-inch-thick steaks
1/2 cup olive oil
Spanish smoked paprika to taste
4 large portobello mushroom caps, stems removed
Handful of basil leaves, cut into julienne strips
Grated zest and juice of one lemon
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 pound smoked bacon, cooked
8 3/4-inch thick slices country bread, brushed with olive oil
8 large lettuce leaves
4 slices red tomato
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Toast or grill the bread slices until golden. Place two slices on each of four dinner plates and set aside. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper and place them on the grill. Cook until they begin to brown, approximately two minutes, then turn over and cook on the other side for two minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Season the swordfish steaks on both sides with salt and pepper and grill, charring the outside well, but keeping the fish steaks medium-rare inside, approximately three to four minutes per side. Remove from the grill. Place a lettuce leaf on each piece of bread and top with tomato, grilled mushrooms, bacon and swordfish. Drizzle the basil-lemon mayonnaise over the top and serve.

courtesy of: Chef Michael Lomonaco, Porter House New York / Wine Spectator