Lavender-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Bitter Greens Salad

Preheat the broiler and position a rack 8 to 10 inches from the heat. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of the olive oil with the shallot, orange zest, lavender and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the lamb chops and transfer them to a broiling pan or a metal rack set on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil the chops for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 125°.

In a large bowl, whisk the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil with the lemon juice and lemon zest and season with salt and pepper. Add the puntarelle, arugula, hazelnuts and pomegranate seeds and toss. Season the salad with salt and pepper, toss again and serve with the lamb chops.

Lavender and lamb bring to mind garrigue, the term used to describe the aromatic herbs and shrubs that grow near France's Mediterranean coast. The term is also used to describe an herbal, fragrant quality often found in red wines from Mediterranean regions like Provence and the Rhône valley; many of which are ideal partners for these juicy chops. Try the spicy, aptly named, Domaine la Garrigue Cuvée Romaine Côtes du Rhône or the raspberry-scented Domaine de la Janasse Côtes du Rhône.