Chicken Paillard with Tomato, Kalamata Olive and Blue Cheese Bread Salad

I was horrified to realize that my local farm stand has closed up for the season and I apparently already enjoyed the last of the heirloom tomatoes without even being aware I was doing so!  I suppose it does indeed make sense that Labor Day also signals the end of summer's fresh roadside produce, but it seems to have snuck up on me without warning this year.  As I began to prepare for last night's dinner, a simple chicken paillard (a boneless, skinless chicken breast which is pounded out to a uniform thickness of approximately 1/4 inch) with one of my favorite salads of home made croutons, juicy heirloom tomatoes, bunches of fresh basil, kalamata olives, crumbled local Amish blue cheese, minced garlic and a simple dressing of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, I realized I only had one tiny tomato left on the counter.  I quickly jumped in the car and scooted over the few blocks or so the produce stand only to find it empty!  A hugely disappointing blow to the tasty image of my soon to be ready dinner I had created in my mind.  Off the supermarket where I was able to locate a locally grown tomato which appeared to be nicely ripe and ready to eat. 

Upon my arrival back home and as I began to assemble my bread salad, I was once again disappointed to find the tomato I just purchased to be grainy and mealy with no discernible tomato flavor or aroma.  Really no surprise but I had been somewhat encouraged by its appearance. My one tiny tomato would have to do. 

After seasoning my chicken breast with a little fresh lemon juice, some chopped rosemary from my garden, a bit of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and sauntered outside to preheat the grill.  Alas, my trusty Weber grill would not ignite despite the gas gauge showing a bit less than 1/4 tank of propane left.  Defeated, I headed back to the stove where I sauteed the chicken breast in a hot skillet for several minutes on each side.  All turned out well in the end as I finally tumbled my cherished bread salad over the chicken breast and enjoyed my long anticipated dinner.