The Menu: The Lincoln Highway
Savor a culinary road trip inspired by The Lincoln Highway, where Sally’s hearty Nebraska cooking meets a touch of New York City flair. It’s a mix of comfort and sophistication that mirrors the twists and turns of Emmett and his crew’s cross-country adventure. Get ready for a menu that’s full of flavor and a few surprises along the way.
Drinks
Raise a glass of good Italian red to the heroes of our story. It might not be a bottle of Chateau Margaux like the one they opened and poured down the drain, but it’ll do just fine. Here’s to unexpected adventures, good company, and whatever comes next around the table.
Appetizer
The novel kicks off in Nebraska, so we’re starting with a nod to one of its most iconic dishes. With its rich flavors and debated origins between Nebraska and NYC, the classic Reuben sandwich gets a tasty twist in this hot Reuben dip from Culinary Hill. It’s got all the familiar ingredients in a scoopable, shareable form. Add a little extra sauerkraut on top if you want even more tang. Grab your favorite dippers and enjoy this cheesy, saucy take on a beloved favorite with none of the bread.
Main
The highlight of our menu is fettuccine mio amore, inspired by Duchess’ stories about his dad’s time at a fancy Italian restaurant in NYC. This special dish, served during their last supper together, features fettuccine noodles in a rich tomato sauce with bacon and onions. You can find the full recipe on Amor Towles’ website just before the Q&A section. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the red pepper flakes and add more if needed. For crispier bacon and a slightly lighter sauce, cook off all the fat and drain most of it before continuing with the recipe.
Side
To round out your fettuccine mio amore, serve Sip and Feast’s Italian baked artichokes. They’re similar to stuffed artichokes but much easier to prep and perfect any time of year. With bright lemon, plenty of garlic, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping, they add just the right balance to the rich pasta and bring a bit of classic Italian comfort to the gang’s last supper.
Dessert
For dessert, whip up some strawberry jam crumble bars and be sure to use strawberry preserves like Sally would have. Buttery, crisp, and perfectly sweet, these bars are a tasty nod to her home-style cooking. The recipe from Annie’s Noms brings you right back to Nebraska, sharing a quiet, sweet moment with the gang.
As you savor the last crumbs of your strawberry crumble bars, picture yourself at the table with Emmett and the gang during their last supper, swapping stories from the road. The Lincoln Highway is a reminder that life rarely goes as planned, but the detours and the people we meet along the way often make the journey worth it. One mile at a time.
