My Summer Simple menus are designed for around advanced, easy preparation, requiring less cooking and time management after your guests arrive.during dinner time. All you have to do is to assemble, warm or quick grill. These menus are forgiving with simple preparations and cooking methods, there are absolutely no compromises in flavor or presentation. These dishes are bursting with flavor, color and a bit of fun. There is no better time than now to create small safe gatherings that take advantage of beautiful summer nights celebrating life outside with family and friends at home. These dishes focus on the freshest seafood and and bright summer vegetables.

The well known Nicoise Salad, or Salade Niçoise in French; is a delicious, refreshing and traditional salad from France in which fresh market produce are complimented by typical Provencal seasonings. Too often however the version you find on menus is prepared with canned tuna which is not my favorite. I do have a few recipes in which I utilize canned tuna but never in this salad. My version using more delicate fresh shellfish is heavenly. I use two of my artSAVOR blends to add layers of savory deliciousness. I had great fun creating the elevated seafood marinade with artSAVOR 75 and the vinaigrette for the vegetables with artSAVOR 30. Plating this ahead of time and covering in the refrigerator, makes last minute service incredibly easy. Served right from the refrigerator at room temperature made my duties light and contributed to a more spontaneous and easy summer night dining al fresco.

My idea of a perfect pizza is a crispy, but chewy toothsome crust covered in fresh, bright crunchy toppings. Honestly, I can’t create a summer menu without a pizza course! But that is really almost true year-round. I challenge myself to keep it new and different, despite that I have made countless pizzas in every variation you can imagine from different crusts to unusual toppings. Lately I have been using artSAVOR blends to create more subtle and unexpected flavors. As pleasant evenings abound during the summer in Southern California, I am using the outdoor grill as often as possible. This incredibly simple and rustic pizza benefits from the summer herb garden plus artSAVOR 30 to elevate four kinds of cheese melted into deliciousness on the artisan crust topped with crunchy summer vegetables. This is all the best of summer brought together in a pizza!

I fell in love with summer rolls many years ago at a small Vietnamese restaurant. Light, fresh, healthy, versatile so and easy to make, they remind me of a very simple Persian appetizer called “Noon o Sabzi” (bread and greens). This Persian treat is a platter of fresh herbs, peppery greens, radishes, onion and cheese served with thin lavash bread. The diner chooses a selection of herbs to roll in the lavash like a summer roll. My shrimp and vegetable summer rolls add the perfect fresh starter to my summery menu. I love creating with rice papers as they provide a perfect background to deliver everything from beef, seafood, poultry to vegetarian. For this recipe I am using artSAVOR 75 for the dip to creating all many levels of flavor deliver savory deliciousness in every bite.

For me summertime is about my love affair with the outdoor barbeque and kabobs. The aroma that emanates is so divine, alluring and inviting. This recipe affords the easiest preparation requiring little cooking time, yet the result is so versatile and can be presented in numerous ways. Of course, I start with my artSAVOR 20 and then layer in additional flavor with fresh jalapeño, cheddar cheese and freshly ground sumac. This is a WOW-worthy presentation to boot!

As you may have guessed, I am not a “dessert lover!” When it comes to creating sweet endings for a menu, I always try to find a quick and easy solution that says “made from scratch” but is just mostly! Everyone loves a fudgy, chocolate brownie. My version is made better with walnuts and fresh tart cherries stirred through the batter. The cherries have been cooked down with a bit of sugar and Grand Marnier. It is finished off with layer of brown sugar caramelized bananas.

Part of my shopping joy is the discovery of new products that pique my curiosity. Recently I came across wine-based margarita cocktails. The bright colors grabbed my attention, so I decided to give these beautiful strawberry red and vivid lime color libations a try. I chose to spin these up in the blender with some ice into a lightly frozen refreshing cocktail which lowers the alcohol content. This is the perfect welcoming aperitif with to serve your guests on a summer night!

It is so exhilarating to live a life that frees your mind from limitations and rules when exercising creativity. I respect and honor important rules and traditions, but when it comes to creating in my culinary atelier, my “kitchen”, it is a matter of not feeling restricted to what everyone else does. You would be very surprised if you knew how far from my original idea for this recipe ended.

I had thought to use artSAVOR 50 to season the chicken artSAVOR 10 for the vegetables and bread. Somehow to my surprise, I was out of both and redirected to artSAVOR 40 and artSAVOR 30 respectively. This launched a pantry purge which I do from time to time to toss things past their “use by” date. I found a bottle of Persian pickled lime that I had completely forgotten. Then my favorite question popped into my head, “What if?” The rest is history. The time from start to service was about an hour.

From a simple three ingredient to complex layers of many ingredients, pizza is staple appetizer on my menus. I have lost count of the dozens of variations I have created over the years. I cannot even count how many styles and varieties of pizzas I have made over the years. I wish I had written some notes. The good news is the varieties are endless and fun. Pizza is so versatile that it can serve as a light amuse bouche to a hearty main course. Choosing from a selection of fresh herbs, to the varied dried herbal flavors found in every artSAVOR provides nearly endless possibilities to build flavor. For this is so much fun! The dried leek, dill, marjoram and cilantro in artSAVOR 90 adds amazing depth to this recipe. The bacon and the sunny side up eggs are both optional if you want to keep this very herbaceous and simple.

There are times when elegant and sophisticated does not required complicated preparations. This gorgeous seafood cocktail is easy and requires minimal fuss, yet has my creative touch. Boiled shrimp and lobster with their buttery flavor and texture call for paring with complimentary dipping sauces that deliver layers of flavor – tanginess, citrusy, sweet, sour, umami, and even a bit smoky. My artSAVOR 75 vinaigrette and store bought Cocktail Sauce (I prefer Whole Foods 365 or Trader Joes) mixed with artSAVOR 75 are the answer to that call, delivering all those flavors to make your bite a celebration.

To enhance the buttery luscious texture of the monster crab legs, I set out bowls of melted butter, lemon juice, artSAVOR enhanced cocktail and vinaigrette sauces. The simple addition of artSAVOR 75 to a store bought cocktail sauce or vinaigrette will elevate this seafood platter to new and delicious heights!

A veritable symphony of flavors, – sweet, sour, citrusy, tangy, bitter, nutty, and salty – this simple orange salad is a prelude to my Mediterranean inspired dinner. You will revel in the simplicity of this refreshing alternative to plain green salad. Orange slices arranged on a bed of slightly bitter curly frisée topped with creamy, tangy goat cheese and slivered pistachios. This summery salad is so easy. All you need is to drizzle my artSAVOR 75 Champagne vinaigrette for the crowning crescendo to this savory concerto.

When I am creating flavor in a specific dish or developing a blend, much like a perfumer creating a fragrance with top, heart and base notes, I have a range of savory ingredients that I use to create unique and compelling flavors. I always keep in mind the existing notes consider the main ingredient in a dish which it is important to understand whether beef, salmon, lamb or even the lowly tomato. It provides the melody line of my flavor concerto which I then accentuate by using herbs and a few spices to develop layers of tangy, citrusy, sour, umami and even a bit smoky notes to tease and thrill the palate. This process while not rote, is instinctive for me as I think about an ingredient like beef skirt steak.

I chose artSAVOR 30 as the perfect blend to at accentuate the skirt steak with the addition of one of my favorite spices, Sumac. It is already in the blend, but I have added more to the rub to add tart, citrusy almost lemon peppery heart notes to the preparation. Bright deep red Sumac berries come from an evergreen bush indigenous to the Middle East but grows around the world. Tart, sour and fruity, sumac like salt, brings out the flavor in food, marinades, dressings, meat, rice dishes and kabob. Ground sumac is commonly found on the table in a shaker like salt and pepper and a key ingredient in many Middle Eastern spice blends. I think you will fall in love with sumac and with this delicious skirt steak preparation.

This preparation is everything I aspire to achieve in my cooking, beautiful vegetables with vibrant color using a cooking method that intensifies and enhances their natural earthy flavors, yet retains their color and texture. My culinary creativity is driven by a dual focus which is simultaneously developing maximum flavor and visual impact. My artSAVOR 70 used in combination with grilling as a cooking method does just that, resulting in perfect caramelization of the natural sugars while adding layers of smoky, sweet, sour, and tangy flavors and enhancing the vegetables crunchy bite.

Despite not being a chocolate lover, this warm dessert really tickles my palate in all the right ways! Elegant, graceful and silky this molten chocolate cake is topped with tart strawberry and bittersweet, candied orange peel and a bit of cold vanilla ice cream. This dessert is the symphonic rhapsody to conclude my poolside dining menu. A deliciously wild and wonderful bit of flavor anarchy, you just can’t quite find the words to describe the experience. Simply put, I think you will agree, “It is all fabulous!”

During the summer, I love to welcome my guests with a light, refreshing cocktail to set the mood for an artsy, delightful evening. Weather allowing, there’s no better place to entertain than outdoors to experience the lush greens, colorful flowers and beautiful summer sky. Sipping on this slushy beverage redolent of a summer sunset colors and garden aromas of melon and rosemary. It could hardly be any easier with this fast and fun drink that presents with elegance. A flight of fancy! Get Creative!

Back by popular demand, a frequent family request, here is another pizza on my menu for Father’s Day Simple Summer Dinner with delicious edits in flavor and texture. I used store bought pizza dough for the crust as I find it more savory and nutty in flavor. Brushing the dough with artSAVOR 70 makes it tangier and more citrusy with its lime ingredient. The frisée with its bitterness, dressed in an artSAVOR 75 vinaigrette contrasts with the sweet roasted tomatoes. All of this together creates complex layers of delicious flavors and textures.

I recently was in Paseo Robles with friends for an art event right before the lock down in early March. I discovered a beautiful house overlooking Morro Bay for our stay. We located the local farmers market where I’m not exaggerating, I found the most beautiful artichokes ever! They were so perfect and so fresh. The thought of grilling them on the patio with that stunning view of the bay with its famous rock was exciting and my mouth was watering in anticipation. I also picked up a Woodford Reserve Double-Oaked Bourbon to start our delightful evening, which we enjoyed while getting the artichokes grill-ready by cleaning and steaming.

I am literally not exaggerating that the end result was the best charred, smoky flavor that I have ever had yet enhanced by my versatile artSAVOR 75. Ok, maybe the view had something to do with it too. Are you ready for some splash of flavor? I am thrilled to share the recipe for these mouthwatering delights. In your mind’s eye, you may even catch a glimpse of Morro Bay! Be creative and have a Blast!

My family love King Crab Legs, but it is seldom that you find these giant fresh ones. Steamed crab legs do not require much to shine beyond lemon juice, melted butter, and a good cocktail sauce. All you need to do is place the platter on the table on kitchen counter where your guests can congregate, provide them kitchen scissors or seafood crackers and watch the fun begin. It is a fun and jovial scene.

To enhance the buttery luscious texture of the monster crab legs, I set out bowls of melted butter, lemon juice, artSAVOR enhanced cocktail and vinaigrette sauces. The simple addition of artSAVOR 75 to a store bought cocktail sauce or vinaigrette will elevate this seafood platter to new and delicious heights!

Salmon sashimi is definitely a family favorite, particularly of my son. I include it in my menu whenever I can get sashimi grade salmon. I try to make the raw salmon, typically served with soy sauce and wasabi, more interesting and exciting by adding extra flavor as well as visual appeal. To me, saltiness of soy sauce sensory profile is so profound that it can totally overshadows its moderate umami, sweet and very slight bitterness flavors. Soy sauce best flavor performance results from its interaction with other complimentary flavors. You guessed it! Combining my artSAVOR 75 with soy sauce unlocks and enhances to the natural umami burst.

But why stop there? Another unexpected idea that compliments the luscious, rich buttery texture of salmon is quick dip in a simple vinaigrette enhanced with my versatile artSAVOR 75. Talk about melting in your mouth, you will be a culinary star!

Finally garnishing your salmon sashimi platter with wasabi, micro greens and basil adds to the visual appeal. Remember the palate is more than just the sense of taste, but really all the senses!

Watermelon salads make regular appearances on my summer menus. I grew up eating watermelon with a touch of salt and love how the natural sweetness become savory. This was the origin of my many variations on a theme of summer melon salads. I started adding a splash lemon juice, then a sprinkle of Persian goat cheese, then Persian cucumber and then . . . as you can see from this recipe is expansive, creative and deliciously fun. Naturally, I brought this combination together my own signature flavors in a heavenly artSAVOR 75 vinaigrette.

Father’s Day called for beef. I make a special wet rub for the beef that is a combination of artSAVOR 30 and freshly ground coffee. Getting a good sear on the grill and then moving it over for indirect heat with the grill lid closed is the nearly foolproof way to perfectly prepared ribeye. My emerald sauce adds a vibrant, fresh layer of flavor with fresh green herbs, shallots and artSAVOR 10. You could add goat cheese or yogurt to add another layer of flavor and creaminess. Have fun creating your own garnishes!

Potatoes are undeniably, a family favorite, especially with steak. This is one of my easiest and incredibly delicious preparations. These multi-colored potatoes tossed with artSAVOR 75 and finished with fresh tarragon are crispy little flavor nuggets. They are nearly fail-proof for even the most novice kitchen artist. Parboiling them is the secret to getting them quickly crispy in the sauté. I like to plate them together with the steak.

Pizza is nearly the perfect food that can be a starter, an entire meal and with a change of toppings even dessert! This simple creation with four main ingredients is full of flavor, texture and cheesy goodness. On top of being delicious, it is bright and colorful. The tie that binds this pizza creation is artSAVOR 75.

Are you ready to turn some bland boring gamey ground turkey into burst of flavors and excitement? My artSAVOR 20 just does that and more. For an added splash of even more flavors, you can turn up volume by drizzling some of my mint sauce. Healthy, full of flavor and texture, these scrumptious kabob bites are delicious. I had to make a second batch as my family ate them before I could plate for a photo. They wanted them hot and juicy, as I rolled them. Not only they were delicious, but they contributed to a lively family social experience. I skipped using skewers and simply formed them into kabob shape and sautéed. They came out perfect. You can serve these as appetizers, sides, or main course.

Finally venturing out from quarantine to the Laguna Beach Farmers Market, I was like a kid in a candy store. Even though the market had fewer vendors sadly, I caught sight of this beautiful pile of bright and lovely brussels sprouts. They were so beautiful that I immediately envisioned a sweet, savory and tangy salad that would capitalize on their raw goodness. Normally I only prepare them in the fall and winter, but who says you can’t have a brussels sprouts salad in summer?