Tasty tuna! Steal this sashimi salad recipe

In this special weekly feature, “Today” food editor Phil Lempert brings you recipes “stolen” (with permission) from notable restaurants across America. See how much fun you can have (and money you can save) by cooking these dishes at home.

THIS WEEK: Tuna & Hamachi Sashimi Salad (served checkerboard style) from Sterling Steakhouse in Hollywood, California

If your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier foods, you won’t have to worry with this nutritious sashimi salad. Sashimi is usually low in fat and calories and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This beautiful dish is so simple to make and it will make your dinner table look like a work of art! Tuna & Hamachi Sashimi Salad (served checkerboard style) is one of the creations of Chef Andrew Pastore at Sterling Steakhouse, one of contemporary Hollywood’s hottest new restaurants.

About the chef: A native of Brooklyn, Andrew Pastore segued into professional kitchens as dishwasher and a short order cook in his teens. After a brief stint at an arts magnet school in Manhattan, Pastore enlisted in the New York Restaurant School. Pastore credits mentors such as Jean-George Vongerichten, owner of the haute JoJo and Vong; Neil Murphy of the Blue Water Grill and John Dilio of the French-Asian influenced Zoë as pivotal mentors in his life. After six years, Pastore packed his bags and headed west for California.

During his three-year stint at Wolfgang Puck's Granita as executive sous-chef, Pastore designed the menus, ran the kitchen and got a taste of what it takes to call the shots. Soon Pastore began organizing and cooking at off-site parties for the likes of Kenny G., Sugar Ray Leonard and Martin Short. These experiences led to a stint at Michael’s in Santa Monica and The Sunset Room in 2001.

Pastore believes in utilizing the local markets, incorporating organic produce and integrating elements of favored French, Asian and Italian ingredients. “Restaurants need to evolve, try new things, but still keep their finger on the pulse of the customer.” The 30-year-old Pastore is currently involved at the Pig’n Whistle, Hollywood’s White Lotus, and has recently been named executive chef of Sterling Steakhouse in Hollywood, which opened in July 2005. 

When not busy heating up the kitchens, he loves to draw, create new art for his tattoos and focus his attention on his two-year-old daughter.

Tuna & Albacore Sashimi Salad is served at Sterling Steakhouse for $17. This recipe is meant to serve one.

Only on TODAY.MSNBC.com! Food Editor Phil Lempert brings you the latest news and advice about shopping and cooking. LAST WEEK: Start your day with down-home soul food GO TO ALL FOOD WEDNESDAY COLUMNS

Sterling Steakhouse
1429 Ivar Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-463-0008
www.sterlingsteakhouse.com

Want to nominate your favorite restaurant dish for a "Steal This Recipe" feature? Just e-mail Phil at (or use the mail box below) with the name of the restaurant, city and state, and the dish you would like to have re-created. Want to know more about Phil and food? Visit his Web site at www.supermarketguru.com.

MORE FROM FOOD & WINE

Food & Wine Section Front

Italian cooking made easy: Spaghetti in foil Nigella’s pumpkin pancakes with maple pecans Hoda and Kathie Lee’s favorite holiday treats Nigella’s edible gingerbread tree-decorations Yes, please! Rigatoni with 5 cheeses Patsy's chicken marsala with baked mushrooms Mushrooms gone wild! In risotto, that is 20 secrets your waiter will never tell you Gobble it up: The Scottos' Thanksgiving leftovers Don’t let a dull menu derail your holiday party Food & Wine Section Front   Add Food & Wine headlines to your news reader: