There are many ways to make garlic bread and I certainly make it
different ways. But this way is by far my favorite. In Italy, to
celebrate the first olive oil of the season, they make this simple fettunta
- or "greased slice". It's simply grilled bread, rubbed with a garlic
clove, drizzled with the best olive oil you have, and then sprinkled
with coarse sea salt. You won't believe how great it is.
There is a very unique taste you get if you use a raw garlic clove on a slice of fresh bread. If you want, you can add a topping to make bruschetta, but this is my favorite way to make garlic bread to accompany dinner. Many times I buy a whole grain or multi grain loaf to make this with and it's delicious.
As always, with simple recipes with few ingredients you need to use the best ingredients you can - a good, fruity extra virgin olive oil and some outstanding sea salt. This grilled bread is a must to accompany dishes that have a nice broth or sauce to sop up, like a cioppino or a ragu sauce.
I was a lucky little girl. My neighborhood friends were envious when my mom invited me to be in the kitchen with her. It was during our kitchen sessions together that she taught me the tricks of the home-cook's trade. By the time I was 12 years old, I knew how to make macaroni and cheese from scratch. I realized later in life that not only was I creating one of my favorite meals, I was practicing the art of French cooking. 
Last weekend I went to a 
The Squeeze Inn in Tracy, CA claims to have pioneered the cheese skirt, which I first experienced in at Nobby’s in Chico. The owner, Dean Davis, told me that the Nobby’s founder had learned the technique when he worked at Squeeze Inn before starting Nobby’s. Having gone to the source, I could not wait to try it.
I live in a great neighborhood. Westfield Century City Mall and Westwood Village are both walking distance. Walgreen’s and Coffee Bean and Tealeaf are too. There’s even a stellar newsstand adjacent to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. That being said I could count the times I’ve actually walked there on both hands and I’ve lived there for 27 years. Ahem. 