PM Prime Chef Dominic Zumpano Dishes on Hockey

PM Prime Steakhouse Executive Chef Dominic Zumpano is a former recreational hockey player and a avid Chicago Blackhawks fan, so he knows how to serve the perfect meal for a hockey viewing party. In his culinary career he has had the pleasure of cooking for retired hockey star Wayne Gretzky and Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz. Wirtz even let Zumpano try on his diamond-studded Stanley Cup championship ring, a moment the chef will cherish forever.

“I have been a Hawks fan my whole life and I can’t wait to see them bring home the cup this year,” says Zumpano. “They really put their heart and soul into everything they do. I love watching them play.”

When asked how he would prepare a championship steak, Zumpano recommends starting with an excellent cut of meat. Using the finest ingredients is going to deliver the best results. For a Blackhawks themed party, he would choose Prime beef from the Niman Ranch in California. His favorite cut is the bone-in ribeye. And to prepare it just right, Zumpano recommends seasoning the meat with salt and pepper before throwing on a preheated grill. Cook it to your favorite level of doneness. And since no steak would be complete without a great side dish. Zumpano recommends fresh asparagus, because they are delicious this time of year. They don’t need a lot of seasoning, just a little garlic, olive oil and salt, and cook them in a grill pan until they are slightly charred.

As for a “Cup-Worthy Cocktail”, Zumpano recommends a Black and Red Margarita.  

Black and Red Margarita

Black rimmed martini glass with Black Sea Salt and a Blood Orange Garnish

1 oz. (30 ml.) Blue Curacao

1 oz. (30 ml.) Chambord

2 oz. (60 ml.) Tequila (Don Questo)

Splash of Mezcal

Dash of Lime Juice

Cranberry juice to taste (the red base layer)

Chef Dominic Zumpano’s culinary career has spanned from Maine’s Rose Garden Restaurant, one of only 47 five-diamond restaurants in the U.S., to Lake Forest’s popular Market House on the Square. Zumpano was nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest. He was nominated for Chicago’s Jean Banchet award as a rising chef and also featured in Best Chefs of America as one of Chicago’s top chefs for its 2013 book. Zumpano is well-known for the passion and creativity that he brings to his cuisine. Zumpano is known for inventing innovative, seasonal menus based on fresh, local ingredients produced from a network of artisans and organic farmers. He also loves preparing a great steak and is particularly proud of his own signature steak sauce which he describes as “being so rich that it deserves its own trust fund”.

PM Prime in Highwood offers an excellent selection of prime steaks, along with seafood and poultry dishes creatively interpreted by Chef Zumpano. Current highlights include Alaskan King Crab Legs, Prime Rib and Foie Gras. PM Prime is located at 310 Green Bay Road, Highwood. Visit www.pmprimesteak.com or call 847-433-0600 for more information.