Grill a salad for summer

LIMA — Shane Hoback studied biology, and now he helps run a restaurant.Interesting how life works, hmm?Hoback and his mother, Dale Price, have operated Vivace Cafe downtown since early February. The previous owner moved, and they began leasing the restaurant at that time. Learn more at www.vivacecafe.com.The Spencerville native has always had a love for food, though, and was raised eating fresh foods out of the family garden. Through travel, he was exposed to a variety of flavors and cuisines and became even more interested. “We don't claim to be professionals here. We ask that you try it and if you like it, come back,” he said.Vivace Cafe offers sandwiches, salads and desserts. Hoback toyed with the idea of sharing the peanut butter cookie recipe but decided to instead keep that to himself. (Good luck convincing him otherwise. It's a heritage recipe that dates from the 1940s, and he was understandably reluctant.)Today's recipe for a grilled salad is currently on the menu and will be for summer.“This is a great spring and summer treat,” he said. “We like to change our menu about once every three months, with the seasons.”The key to this dish is a hot grill — and fresh ingredients.“Because you really only want to put the romaine lettuce on the grill for only about 30 seconds, just to get a nice char, a little bit of wilting,” Hoback said. The restaurant is focuing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients while offering a spot to gather downtown.“For me, it was just perfect to be able to meld fresh food with interesting people and interesting conversation,” Hoback said.Have a suggestion for who should be featured in this spot? Email amcgee@limanews.com.