Secrets of the Best Chefs

Mozzarella with Meyer Lemon, Celery Salad,

and Alici di Menaica

Serves 2 to 3

Once again, Silverton proves that if you find the right ingredients,

it’s just a question of putting them together properly on the plate.

Here, three perfect circles of Meyer lemon—use a mandoline to

achieve that—form the base of a plate that includes fresh

mozzarella, a crunchy, acidic celery salad, and special anchovies

that Silverton gets from the Buon Italia store in New York’s

Chelsea Market (see Resources; or use the best anchovies you can

find).

FOR THE DRESSING

1 tablespoon minced shallots

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon champagne vinegar

Freshly cracked black pepper

¼ cup olive oil

FOR THE SALAD

1 celery stalk, sliced thick on the extreme bias

2 scallions, sliced thin on the extreme bias