Lemongrass. The very word evokes the senses. A field of tall stalks, rustling in a tropical breeze. The fresh scent and taste of lemon. True to its name, lemongrass is a long, reed-like herb which is used in flavoring the cuisines of the world with a refreshing tang and aroma.

Most commonly found in Thai dishes, lemongrass is a delicate but distinct seasoning, particularly suited to seafood and chicken. Preparations of soups, brothy sauces or stir frys will often be scented with this aromatic herb. Caribbean cuisines use lemongrass to compliment the heat of spicy rubs. Mexican dishes often blend lemongrass with chiles, garlic and cilantro. Michael Mayer, Cima's executive chef, tempers a vibrant South American dish of fresh seafood in a fragrant lemongrass, ginger and coconut milk broth.

A perennial plant, lemongrass grows wild in many warm climates of Asia. In the U.S., Florida and California have begun cultivating lemongrass as a commercial crop as interest in global cuisines continues to grow in this country.

When purchasing lemongrass, look for firm stalks indicating freshness. Trim the bottom root end, then mince the lower few inches for cooking. Cima's pastry chef, Bill Fitzgerald, suggests steeping the tops to create flavorful liquids. His refreshing panna cotta features cream infused with lemongrass.

Keep lemongrass on hand all winter for its medicinal properties. Steeping lemongrass in hot water yields a strong and aromatic tea to soothe winter's common cold.

Seafood el Salvador

1 quart shrimp or fish stock

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons minced shallots

1 stalk lemon grass, finely sliced crosswise

1/4 cup julienned ginger

2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce (nam pla)

2 tablespoons Thai hot chile sauce (sriracha)

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 pound small peeled shrimp

1 pound mussels, scrubbed

1 pound bay scallops

1/2 pound sugar snap peas

Zest of 2 limes

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons minced green onions

Place first 11 ingredients in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Strain and return to the pot. Bring to a boil, add the shrimp, scallops, mussels and peas. Cook until the mussels are open and shrimp are firm and pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime zest, cilantro and green onions, and serve. Serves 4-6.

Lemongrass coconut rice

1 stalk lemongrass, bottom 6 inches only, outer leaves peeled

1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed and drained

1 3/4 cups coconut milk

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 pinch salt

Lightly pound the lemongrass stalk with a kitchen mallet. Combine the lemongrass, rice, coconut milk, bay leaves, turmeric, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to low and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Remove bay leaves and lemongrass before serving.

Serves 6.

Lemongrass panna cotta with tropical lychee salsa

Lemongrass Panna Cotta

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup sugar

3 lemongrass stalks, cut into thirds

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/4 cup cold water

Mix cream, milk, sugar and lemon grass in medium saucepan. Bring just to boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Let stand 1 hour. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over water in small bowl. Let stand 5 minutes or until gelatin is softened. Strain cream mixture, discarding stalks. Return cream mixture to the saucepan. Heat on low heat 2 to 3 minutes. Add softened gelatin; stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour mixture into medium bowl set in a larger bowl of ice water. Stir frequently with rubber spatula about 10 minutes or until mixture is cooled. Pour into 6 dessert dishes. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or until set.

Lychee salsa

1/2 cup drained canned lychees, quartered

1/2 cup finely chopped peeled ripe mango

1/4 cup finely chopped peeled kiwi

1/4 cup flaked coconut, toasted

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint

Mix lychees, mango, kiwi, coconut and mint in small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Spoon Lychee Salsa on top of each panna cotta to serve.

Serves 6.

Sue Barham is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Cima, now open in The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa. The newest restaurant concept from acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval, Cima is a contemporary Latin kitchen, featuring bold, vibrant flavors with Latino roots, created with fresh ingredients and global cooking techniques. Visit www.richardsandoval.com/cima.