I cooked our sea bass on the grill and as per the instructions of our wonderful fish monger. I sprinkled the fish with salt, pepper, and lemon and cooked it “skin down” on a 400 degree grill (not directly over the flame) for 10-12 minutes. Perfect!
The asparagus risotto recipe belongs to Chef Marco Canora, Hearth, New York.

Asparagus Risotto (We cut the recipe in half for two people)

5 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups arborio or other short-grained rice
1 cup dry white wine
6 to 8 cups good quality chicken stock
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and sliced
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and the oil in a large high-sided skillet or rondeau over medium heat. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Raise the heat to high and add the rice. Using a wooden spoon, stir the rice with the onion and fat until the rice no longer books chalky and the grains begin to pop, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the wine. Allow it to bubble vigorously until the rice absorbs it, about 1 minute.
3. Add enough broth to just cover the rice, about 2 cups. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring and scraping rice away from the sides occasionally. Cook the rice until it is almost dry, about 5 minutes, then again add enough broth to cover. Simmer, scraping and stirring every so often, until the broth is incorporated, about 5 minutes more.
4. Add about 1 cup broth. Stirring more frequently now, cook the risotto until the rice absorbs the broth. Simmer, stirring until the pan is almost dry again, about 3 minutes more.
5. Lower the heat and add the asparagus, salt and pepper to taste, and about 1/4 cup broth. Simmer, stirring constantly and adding broth in 1/4 cup increments, until the rice is just tender. Take the pan off the heat and add cheese and the remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve. Serves 6 to 8.

Wine served: Macon-Villages, Chardonnay