Brandon Testi, Executive Chef, Las Colinas CC
Brandon Testi, Executive Chef of Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas, says inspiration for his bison bolognese stems from his childhood.
“My mother would toss together a good Julia Child or Emerils recipe of slow-stewed beef ragu into any style of pasta, and it was always a good eat,” Tesi says. “When it comes to reinventing a [recipe], I think back to those dishes that meant something to me.”
Testi describes the flavors as bold, rustic and hearty.
“Bison is such an under-utilized protein with an amazing, rich flavor that stands up to other big-flavored ingredients,” he notes. “I made sure to include impactful ingredients such as a good red wine, fresh garlic and an herbed Boursin cheese to complement the pure bison flavor.”
Testi attributes the dish’s success to its simplicity and its approachability as an elevated comfort food with high-quality ingredients.
“I truly believe the current trend in cooking has gone back to the beginning,” Testi notes. “Sourcing the best ingredients and minimally modifying them will produce a great meal.”
