Last week, we mentioned that Chef Payton Curry was disappointed that Caffe Boa was continuing his four-year tradition of serving up rabbit on Easter Sunday. As it turns out, Tempe's Caffe Boa has actually opted to go in a different direction this year.
PETA would be proud. Ok, maybe not.
Instead of their usual "funny bunny business," the Mill Avenue eatery is hosting a European-Style Picnic on Sunday, April 24, featuring spit-roasted lamb and Mediterranean sides such as herbed new potatoes and red onion salad with tomato and feta. According to Caffe Boa's PR rep, the rabbit dinner was so popular that a rabbit dish landed a regular spot on their seasonal spring menu, leaving no need to bring out the bunnies for Easter.
Owners Jay and Christine Wisniewski say the new picnic theme evokes memories of their childhood growing up in Croatia. "In Europe, special holidays like Easter are celebrated by gathering the whole family together for a wonderful meal where most of the food is slow-roasted on huge spitfire grills to create the most succulent meat you've ever tasted," says Jay.
The husband-and-wife team debuted spitfire lamb and goat dishes at a charity event last year, so they're confident the new menu will go over well. In addition to lamb, the ala carte menu includes grilled snapper, hard-boiled eggs with radishes, heirloom greens salad, paired Croatian wines and Karlovacko beer.
The feast will be offered on Caffe Boa's garden patio from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Easter Sunday, with the restaurant's regular menu available after 5 p.m. If you're still craving something with floppy ears after dinner, you can always head to your local drug store for a snap-off chocolate bunny or a box of Peeps.
