After fifteen years, Foreign Cinema's adjacent bar, Laszlo, underwent a spectacular remodel earlier this spring. In addition to cleaning up and modernizing the interior, they also revamped the menu, introducing new cocktails and a brand new bar bites menu. One of the tastiest new items are the pickled fried mushrooms, a delicious combination of our two favorite cooking techniques. Check them out at Laszlo, or make them at home with the recipe below. // laszlobar.com

Laszlo's Fried Pickled Mushrooms

(Serves 8)

For the Pickle:

2 lbs cleaned crimini or button mushroom

2 qt. water

1 qt. white wine

1 c. Champagne vinegar

¼ c. salt

4 bay leaves

1/3 c. coriander seed

4 branches of thyme

6-8 lemon slices

1 c. extra virgin olive oil

1. Combine all ingredients except for mushrooms and bring to a simmer.

2. Add cleaned mushrooms and steep for 8-10 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and let cool in the liquid.

Tempura Batter

3/4 c. all purpose flour

1/3 c. cornstarch

2 tbs sugar

2 tbs baking powder

1 c. beer or club soda

1. Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl.

2. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the beer or club soda. The batter should be loose and slightly lumpy.

3. Store cold.

Ranch Dressing

¼ c. buttermilk

½ c. crème fraiche

½ c. mayonnaise

1 tsp minced shallots

2+ tsp champagne vinegar (to taste)

1 tsp lemon juice

1 T chopped parsley

1 T chopped tarragon

1 T chopped dill

1 T chopped chives

Salt to taste

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and adjust the salt to taste.

Final procedure

1. Dip the mushrooms in the tempura batter then place in a fryer set to 375F.

2. Fry until golden brown.

3. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with chopped parsley and ranch dressing.