DON'T HIRE A CATERER: STAYING COOL WITH SUMMER SOUPS

By Georgette Farkas

Georgette Farkas is officially our Culinary Ambassador at Great Performances, but we’ve also crowned her our Hospitality Maven. Drawing upon her experiences working at leading restaurants and spearheading her eponymous Rotisserie Georgette, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition to everything she does at GP across all teams, she also regularly entertains at home, creating incredible dishes with that extra special touch that makes food even more memorable and delicious.

In this series, Georgette shares tips from the caterer’s tool kit to make entertaining at home (almost) effortless. From time saving shortcuts and grocery store secrets to garnishing hacks and presentation magic, she’ll help you host a party that’ll make your guests feel extra special and that you’ll actually be able to enjoy.

She’s also curated recipes for you, highlighting the tips she’s shared. Each month look for dishes and ideas that would be delicious on their own, but that together make up menus that will have you entertaining like a pro.

This month, Georgette finds ways to beat the heat both in the kitchen and at the table with some divine summer soups.

The success of these summer soups is in the bright, bold flavors, which you can adjust to suit your own palate. Serving them well chilled will make a big difference. You might even go the extra mile and chill your soup bowls. We suggest pouring the soups tableside so that your
guests will enjoy the garnish you’ve arranged in each bowl. Pour only enough to come just about halfway up the sides of the garnish so that the colorful fruits and vegetables remain visible. Alternatively, serve the chilled soups as an hors d’oeuvre, poured into shot glasses or small juice glasses. For the latter, select one of the garnishes, such as a cucumber slice or small melon wedge. Make a small incision and place a garnish over the edge of each glass.

There are several equipment options when it comes to puréeing the soups. Choose a food processor, a blender or even an immersion or stick blender. If using the  latter, be sure to use a high sided container to avoid splattering.

Check out the recipes below or download the recipe packet by clicking the button below. 

RECIPE: CHILLED CANTALOUPE, LIME & LILLET SOUP

Servings: 4 – 6

Ingredients

For the soup

  • 1 cantaloupe (or other ripe, orange-fleshed melon), chilled, peeled, and seeded
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • ¼ cup Lillet
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the garnish

  • 12 cantaloupe balls
  • 1 tsp lime segments, diced
  • 1 tsp Lillet
  • 12 petals from edible flowers such as nasturtium or marigold (optional)

Procedure

  1. Cut peeled and seeded cantaloupe into one inch pices. Place about 1/4 of the melon pieces in blender or food processor and process at high speed until puréed. Gradually add remaining melon, processing until smooth.
  2. Add lime juice and Lillet and blend briefly. Season with salt and pepper to taste and blend again. If desired, for a more refined consistency, strain soup through fine sieve or even a sieve lined with cheese cloth.
  3. Chill soup until ready to serve. Serve ice cold.
  4. Toss melon balls and lime dice garnish in just enough Lillet to coat. Arrange in individual chilled soup bowls. Arrange edible flowers over melon balls and lime. Pour well chilled soup around garnish.

RECIPE: WATERMELON AND THAI CHILI GAZPACHO

Servings: 4 – 6

Ingredients

For the soup

  • 6 cups seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups seedless cucumber, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 5 leaves Thai basil
  • 1 tsp Thai chili paste (or to taste)
  • 1 red bell pepper, stems and seeds removed, coarsely chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp sherry vinegar
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Kosher salt to taste

For the garnish

  • 1 cup watermelon, peeled, seeded, and diced
  • ⅓ cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
  • ⅓ cup micro basil (optional)

Procedure

  1. Place watermelon, cucumbers, Thai basil, Thai chili paste, bell peppers, tomatoes and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Purée on high until very smooth. Add vinegar and olive oil, and blend to desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
  2. Chill soup until ready to serve. Serve ice cold.
  3. Arrange garnish ingredients in individual chilled soup bowls. Pour well chilled soup around garnish.

RECIPE: CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP

with Smoked Salmon and Dill

Servings: 4 – 6

Ingredients

For the soup

  • 2 long European hothouse cucumbers, peeled, split lengthwise
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 1 tsp fresh dill
  • 1 tsp fresh mint
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hot sauce to taste

For the garnish

  • 4 tsp cucumber, diced
  • 2 oz smoked salmon, julienned
  • 1 sprig fresh dill

 

Procedure

  1. Using a teaspoon, scrape seeds from the split cucumbers. Thinly slice cucumbers and blanch in boiling salted water for two to three minutes. Drain and shock in ice water.
  2. Transfer blanched cucumbers to blender or food processor. Add lemon juice, dill, mint and salt to taste. Purée until smooth. Add yogurt and two to three drops of tobacco sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Chill soup until ready to serve. Serve ice cold.
  4. Arrange diced cucumber garnish and a few strands of julienned smoked salmon in chilled soup bowls. Top with sprigs of dill. Pour well chilled soup around garnish.

Sip Your Way Through Summer:
Delectable Cocktail Recipes from our Venues

By Great Performances

Summer is still in session and there’s no better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing and tantalizing cocktail in hand. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply unwinding after a long day, we’ve got you covered with an array of mouthwatering summer cocktails from our venues. Prepare to embark on a journey of taste and discover a delightful assortment of libations that will elevate your summer experience.

At our venues, mixology is an art form, and our talented bartenders have crafted a selection of cocktails that capture the essence of the season. We’re sharing a curated collection of our favorite summer cocktails brought to you by our Venue Managers, Garvey Dutes of Asia Society Café, Elijah Wilkins of Mae Mae Café + Plant Shop, Danny Newman of Café des Affiches at Poster House, and more.

These easy-to-follow recipes are perfect for crafting a cocktail for yourself or to share with loved ones. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these show-stopping beverages, as we lift the curtain on the secrets behind our venue’s most beloved drinks. So, let the clinking of ice and the muddling of fresh herbs transport you to a summer paradise, where every sip is a celebration of the sun-kissed season.

RECIPE: KIWI RASPBERRY MIMOSA

by Garvey Dutes, General Manager of Asia Society Café

Great-Performances_Summer-Cocktails-2023_Kiwi-Raspberry

For One:

4 oz Sauvignon Blanc
2 oz Raspberry Syrup
6 oz Casa Del Mar Cava
1 oz Kiwi Juice

Add Sauvignon Blanc, raspberry syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a bulb wine glass filled with ice. Top it off with Cava and kiwi juice.

Garnish glass with 1 kiwi cube in-between two raspberries.

Batched for Sharing:

8 oz Sauvignon Blanc
4 oz Raspberry Syrup
12 oz Casa Del Mar Cava
2 oz Kiwi Juice

Add Sauvignon Blanc and raspberry syrup to a pitcher. Stir the mixture rapidly to ensure the Sauvignon Blanc and raspberry syrup are well combined. Fill vessel with ice then slowly pour in Cava, while stirring gently to maintain the carbonation. Top the mixture with kiwi juice, but do not stir.

Garnish each glass with 1 kiwi cube in-between two raspberries.

RECIPE: WHITE COSMO

by Garvey Dutes, General Manager of Asia Society Café

For One:

2 oz White Cranberry Juice
2 oz Charbay Meyer Lemon Vodka
0.75 oz Lime juice
0.50 oz Elderflower

Add white cranberry juice, Charbay Meyer Lemon Vodka, lime juice, elderflower and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.

Garnish with a lime twist.

Batched for Sharing:

9 oz White Cranberry Juice
9 oz Charbay Meyer Lemon Vodka
3.5 oz Lime Juice
2 oz Elderflower

Batch without alcohol (zero proof):
Add white cranberry juice, lime and elderflower to a pitcher and stir lightly.

Batch with alcohol:
In a cocktail shaker add 3.25 oz of zero proof mixture above, 2 oz Charbay Meyer Lemon Vodka and ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass.

Garnish with a lime twist.

RECIPE: GRAPE VALLEY

by Garvey Dutes, General Manager of Asia Society Café

Great-Performances_Summer-Cocktails-2023_Green-Grapes

For One:

2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
2 oz Sweet White Vermouth
1 oz Velvet Falernum
1 oz Lime Juice
Green Seedless Grapes

Muddle 3-4 grapes in a cocktail shaker. Add Hendricks Gin, Sweet White Vermouth, Velvet Falernum, lime juice and ice. Shake, then strain the mixture into a coupe glass.

Garnish with a grape on a skewer.

Batched for Sharing:

7 oz Hendrick’s Gin
7 oz Sweet White Vermouth
3.5 oz Velvet Falernum
3.5 oz Lime Juice
2 large clusters of Green Seedless grapes

Muddle 1 large cluster of Green Seedless Grapes and Velvet Falernum in a pitcher. Add Hendrick’s Gin, Sweet White Vermouth, and lime juice to the pitcher and stir vigorously.

Top the pitcher with ice and garnish with the other cluster of green grapes.

RECIPE: THE LAVO (ZERO-PROOF)

by Elijah Wilkins, General Manager of Mae Mae Café + Plant Shop

Great-Performances_Summer-Cocktails-2023_Aloe-Vera

For One:

4 oz Aloe Vera
2 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Lavender syrup

Add aloe vera juice, lemon juice, and lavender syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Stir together well.

Serve over ice with a lemon wheel garnish or dried lavender.

To Share:

12 oz Aloe Vera
6 oz Lemon Juice
3 oz Lavender syrup

Add aloe vera juice, lemon juice, and lavender syrup to a pitcher with ice. Stir together well.

Serve in glasses garnished with a lemon wheel or dried lavender.

RECIPE: FRENCH QUARTER FIZZ

featured at Dizzy’s Cafe, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Great-Performances_Summer-Cocktails-2023_Lemon-Passionfruit

For One:

0.75 oz Simple Syrup
0.75 oz Lemon Juice
0.25 oz Chinola Passion Fruit
2 oz Dorothy Parker Gin
1.5 oz Club Soda

Add syrup, lemon juice, chinola passion fruit, and gin to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake briefly. Strain the mixture into a collins glass with ice. Top off the collins glass with soda.

Garnish with a lemon wedge.

RECIPE: PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (ZERO-PROOF)

featured at Dizzy’s Cafe, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Great-Performances_Summer-Cocktails-2023_Pineapple-Express

For One:

0.75 oz Ginger Syrup
0.75 oz Lime Juice
2 oz Pineapple Juice
1.5 oz Club Soda

Add ginger syrup, lime juice, and pineapple juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a collins glass with ice and then top with club soda.

Garnish with a mint sprig pulled through candied ginger.

RECIPE: NOT YOUR GRANNY SMITH

featured at The Banker’s Club, Equitable Life Building

Great-Performances_Summer-Cocktails-2023_Granny-Smith-Apples

For One:

3 oz Whiskey
3 oz Apple Juice
1 oz Sour Mix

Add whiskey, apple juice, and sour mix to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain the mixture into a tall glass with ice.

Garnish with a lemon wheel or apple wheel.

Make your own Sour Mix:

3 oz Hot Water
3 oz Sugar
3 oz Lemon Juice
1.5 oz Lime Juice

Combine water and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool. Add strained lemon and lime juices. Store in an air-tight vessel in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.

RECIPE: MAIN SQUEEZE

featured at The Banker’s Club, Equitable Life Building

Great-Performances_Summer-Cocktails-2023_Oranges_Main-Squeeze

For One:

1.5 oz Gin
2 oz Orange Juice
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
2 oz Tonic

Add gin, orange juice, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain the mixture into a collins glass with ice. Top with Tonic.

Garnish with an orange wheel.

RECIPE: PANTHER PRIDE

by Danny Newman, General Manager of Café des Affiches at Poster House

Great-Performances_Summer-Cocktails-2023_Limes

For One:

2 oz Bacardi Rum
1 oz Triple Sec
0.5 oz Lime Juice
0.5 oz Sprite

Add rum, triple sec, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain the mixture into a collins glass with ice. Top with Sprite.

Garnish with a lime wheel.

RECIPE: WHISKEY MATCHA HIGHBALL

by Danny Newman, General Manager of Café des Affiches at Poster House

Great-Performances_Summer-Cocktails-2023_Matcha-Powder

For One:

2 oz Suntory Toki Whiskey
0.25 tsp Matcha Powder
0.25 oz Lemon Juice
Dash of Honey Ginger Simple Syrup
0.5 oz Club Soda

Add whiskey, matcha powder, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain the mixture into a tall glass with ice. Top with club soda.

Garnish with a Lemon Wheel.

Hungry for more?

DON'T HIRE A CATERER: SENSATIONAL PASTA SALADS

Georgette Farkas is officially our Culinary Ambassador at Great Performances, but we’ve also crowned her our Hospitality Maven. Drawing upon her experiences working at leading restaurants and spearheading her eponymous Rotisserie Georgette, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition to everything she does at GP across all teams, she also regularly entertains at home, creating incredible dishes with that extra special touch that makes food even more memorable and delicious.

In this series, Georgette shares tips from the caterer’s tool kit to make entertaining at home (almost) effortless. From time saving shortcuts and grocery store secrets to garnishing hacks and presentation magic, she’ll help you host a party that’ll make your guests feel extra special and that you’ll actually be able to enjoy.

She’s also curated recipes for you, highlighting the tips she’s shared. Each month look for dishes and ideas that would be delicious on their own, but that together make up menus that will have you entertaining like a pro.

This month, Georgette keeps it cool with some make ahead pasta salads that use summer’s freshest produce and that qualify as show stoppers – without having to spend hours over a hot stove. Simple tricks like serving the pasta salads in a shallow bowl and reserving some of the add-ins to pile on top of the pasta turn these dishes from an afterthought to a star dish.

I like to make summer entertaining as bright and colorful – and as effortless – as possible. Fresh and healthy are also top priorities. Summer farm stand produce is the inspiration behind these pasta recipes. By all means, adjust them to what you find in your local farm stand, green market or CSA.

As for the pasta shapes, for these room temperature dishes, I suggest short pastas such as gemelli, rotelle, radiator and other bite sized varieties. I would simply avoid tube pastas such as penne or rigatoni, and long pastas such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

These can be made one day ahead, with only minor last-minute assembly, leaving you to spend time with your guests and not in the kitchen at mealtime. If you are making ahead, toss cooked pasta in olive oil and store separately from garnishes. When ready to serve, toss only about 2/3 of the vegetable garnishes into the pasta, leaving the remaining garnish to arrange over the top or around the sides. The exception is the pasta with pesto, for which all the roasted cherry tomatoes should be arranged over or around the pasts, as opposed to mixed in.

As with most dishes made to be enjoyed at room temperature, if making ahead, we suggest removing food from the refrigerator about an hour before serving. The flavors will come to life more readily when not ice cold.

Finally, arrange pasta on serving platters rather than in deep bowls. This enables you to feature the vegetable garnishes on top, rather than having all the best bits get lost at the bottom.

Check out the recipes below or download the recipe packet by clicking the button below. 

RECIPE: RED, WHITE AND GREEN GEMELLI PASTA SALAD

with Pesto, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Toasted Pine Nuts

Servings: 4 – 6

Ingredients

For the cherry tomatoes

  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the pesto

  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 Tbsp pine nuts
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

Garnish

  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, in shards

For the pasta

  • 12 oz gemelli pasta

Procedure

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400֯.
  2. Prepare the tomatoes. Thinly slice one clove of garlic. On a sheet pan, toss halved cherry tomatoes with sliced garlic, thyme sprigs, and ¼ cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake approximately 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened and beginning to caramelize around the edges. Set aside and let cool.
  3. Prepare the pesto. Reduce oven temperature to 300. Place pine nuts on a sheet pan and toast, tossing occasionally until golden brown.
  4. In small sauté pan over low heat add ¼ cup olive oil. Add garlic cloves and simmer gently, but do not brown. Set aside and let cool. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add basil and blanch briefly just until leaves are wilted. Shock in ice water, drain well, wringing the leaves to remove remaining liquid. Add blanched basil to bowl of food processor along with parmesan, cooked garlic and its olive oil and half of the toasted pine nuts. Process until smooth. Add additional olive oil as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  5. Prepare the pasta. Cook pasta in boiling salted water to al dente. Drain and while still warm, toss with pesto. Place on a serving platter and arrange roasted cherry tomatoes around the pasta. Arrange remaining browned pine nuts and thinly shaved parmesan shards over the top (optional).

RECIPE: FARM STAND ZUCCHINI AND LEMON PASTA

with Roasted Yellow and Green Zucchini, Chives, Lemon, Toasted Pistachio, Ricotta Salata

Servings: 4 – 6

Ingredients

For the zucchini

  • 2 whole yellow and/or green zucchini, cubed -or- 10-12 baby green zucchini, halved lengthwise -or- 10-12 patty pan squash, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • 3 scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

For the pasta

  • 12 oz rotelle pasta, cooked al dente

For the salad

  • ⅓ cup pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • 2 oz riccota salata, shaved

Procedure

  1. Preheat oven to 400֯.
  2. Prepare the zucchini. If using full size zucchini, cut zucchini in ¼ inch thick lengthwise slices. Cut each slice into long strips and then into small cubes. If using baby zucchini and patty pan, simply cut in half lengthwise.
  3. On a sheet tray, toss zucchini, thyme, garlic and scallions with just enough olive oil to coat lightly. Season with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables until a little softened and caramelized around the edges. Remove from oven and grate lemon zest over the vegetables. Add the juice of the lemon, salt and pepper to taste, toss well and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Prepare the pasta salad. Cook pasta in boiling salted water to al dente and drain. Toss pasta with approximately 2/3 of the vegetables and half the ricotta salata. Arrange pasta on a serving platter and spread remaining vegetables, ricotta salata shards and toasted pistachios over the top.

RECIPE: SUMMER IN SARDINIA PASTA

with Roasted Sweet Yellow Peppers, Tomatoes, Capers, Black Olives, Yellow Raisins, Anchovies

Servings: 4 – 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 Tbsp capers
  • 2 Tbsp yellow raisins, soaked in warm water and drained
  • ¼ cup flat leave parsley, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup basil, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup pitted black olives
  • 4 anchovy fillets (in oil)
  • 2 yellow bell peppers, seeded and julienned
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ⅓ to ½ cup olive oil
  • 12 oz radiatore pasta

Procedure

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400֯.
  2. Coarsely chop together garlic, capers, pitted black olives and anchovy filets. Transfer to a sheet pan and toss together with yellow pepper, cherry tomatoes, yellow raisins, parsley, basil and 1/3 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Salt lightly, given that the capers, olives and anchovies are already salted.
  3. Roast vegetables approximately 20 minutes until vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized around the edges.
  4. In the meantime, cook pasta in boiling salted water to al dente and drain. Toss pasta with approximately 2/3 of the roasted vegetables, adding a bit more olive oil, as needed. Arrange pasta on a serving platter and place remaining roasted vegetables over the top.

DON'T HIRE A CATERER: SUMMER BARBECUE

Georgette Farkas is officially our Culinary Ambassador at Great Performances, but we’ve also crowned her our Hospitality Maven. Drawing upon her experiences working at leading restaurants and spearheading her eponymous Rotisserie Georgette, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition to everything she does at GP across all teams, she also regularly entertains at home, creating incredible dishes with that extra special touch that makes food even more memorable and delicious.

In this series, Georgette shares tips from the caterer’s tool kit to make entertaining at home (almost) effortless. From time saving shortcuts and grocery store secrets to garnishing hacks and presentation magic, she’ll help you host a party that’ll make your guests feel extra special and that you’ll actually be able to enjoy.

She’s also curated recipes for you, highlighting the tips she’s shared. Each month look for dishes and ideas that would be delicious on their own, but that together make up menus that will have you entertaining like a pro.

As the weather heats up, we can’t help but want to take the cooking outside. A couple summers ago, I hosted an online class, World Tour Brochettes. I stand by these recipes – they are timeless, delicious, and infinitely adaptable. Best of all, they are perfect for effortless summer entertaining.

Call them brochettes, skewers, kabobs, as you like. It all comes down to assembling well-seasoned ingredients on a stick to grill over open flames, ideally with a little char around the edges. Of course broiling is an option for city apartment dwellers. These recipes take you on a journey without ever leaving home. We could have chosen flavors from countless destinations, but landed in the South of France, Southern Spain and then Thailand.

I’ve paired each brochette with a side dish made with the same seasonings used in the marinades. This makes for a great menu and also simplifies the market list. I’ve also planned marinade quantities so that you will use only a part of it to coat meat and vegetables, reserving the remainder to spoon over the cooked brochettes.

I recommend flat surfaced brochettes, as they will hold ingredients in place when turning them on the grill. Whether rounded or flat, if using wooden brochettes, soak them first so as to avoid burning the ends. I treasure my steel brochettes with decorative brass finials, a souvenir from long ago summer travels in Turkey.

Each of these dishes can be prepared a day ahead to lighten your entertaining load. In fact, the brochettes will benefit from marinating overnight. Just before grilling, tighten up your brochettes, making sure the ingredients are closely pressed together. Not to worry if you’re not grilling outdoors, the broiler setting in your oven will do just fine.

Check out the recipes below or download the recipe packet here: https://docs.greatperformances.com/view/1031572904/

RECIPE: HERBES DE PROVENCE CHICKEN & ZUCCHINI BROCHETTES

Side Dish: Raosted Cherry Tomatoes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For Marinade:

  • 4 large cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 3 Tbsp herbes de Provence
  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced

 

For the brochettes:

  • 4 pcs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 4 pieces
  • 2 whole green and yellow zucchini, sliced 1/4″ thick
  • 8 whole purple pearl onions, peeled and blanched

 

For the tomatoes:

  • 4.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Procedure

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400֯.
  2. On a sheet pan, toss cherry tomatoes with 1 Tbsp herbes de Provence, 1 Tbsp chopped garlic, ¼ cup olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Cook cherry tomatoes until softened and slightly caramelized, approximately 45 minutes. Remove from oven, adjust salt and pepper. Set aside. May be made one day ahead and refrigerated. Remove from refrigerator at least one hour prior to serving.
  3. In a mixing bowl combine lemon zest and lemon juice with 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp ground pepper. Whisk together to dissolve salt. Incorporate remaining garlic, herbes de Provence and olive oil.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss chicken, zucchini and pearl onions in just enough marinade to coat. Arrange them on brochettes, sandwiching each piece of chicken between two pieces of zucchini and placing a pearl onion between each set of chicken and peppers.
  5. Marinate covered in refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator one hour prior to cooking. Just before grilling, tighten up your brochettes, making sure the ingredients are closely pressed together, as this will make for even cooking.
  6. On a heated grill, cook brochettes approximately five to six minutes on each side, until browned and the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165֯. If cooking indoors, arrange brochettes on a sheet tray and place in an oven pre-heated to 450֯ or place under a well heated broiler on high setting. Cook five to six minutes on each side.
  7. Place brochettes on a serving platter and spoon remaining marinade on top. Arrange roasted cherry tomatoes around brochettes.

RECIPE: GINGER-MISO CHICKEN & JAPANESE EGGPLANT BROCHETTES

Side Dish: Carrot, Cabbage, and Kale Slaw

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the marinade:

  • 4 oz rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Thai chili paste
  • 2 oz Tamari
  • 3 Tbsp white miso
  • 2 Tbsp honey

 

For the brochettes:

  • 4 pcs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 4 pieces
  • 2 whole Japanese eggplant, cut in 1” rounds
  • 2 whole green peppers, halved, seeded, cut into 1.5” squares
  • 2 tsp white sesame seeds

 

For the slaw:

  • 5 oz red or purple cabbage, fine julienne
  • 5 oz carrot, spiral cut or julienne
  • 2 oz kale, coarsely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated
  • 2 oz sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp thinly sliced scallions
  • 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

Procedure

  1. In a mixing bowl combine rice vinegar, Thai chili paste, tamari, miso, honey, ginger, garlic, and cilantro. Set aside. Can be prepared several days ahead.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, daikon, and kale. Toss with half of the above marinade, or just enough to coat. This is best made the day before. Once slaw has marinated overnight, drain off and discard any excess liquid. Remove slaw from refrigerator at least one hour before serving.
  3. Whisk sesame oil into remaining marinade. Toss chicken, eggplant, and green peppers in just enough marinade to coat. Set aside remaining marinade. Arrange chicken and vegetables on brochettes, sandwiching each piece of chicken between two pieces of green pepper and placing a piece of eggplant between each set of chicken and peppers. Arrange brochettes on a sheet tray. Marinate covered in refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator one hour prior to cooking.
  4. Just before grilling, tighten up your brochettes, making sure the ingredients are closely pressed together, as this will make for even cooking.
  5. On a heated grill, cook brochettes approximately five to six minutes on each side, until browned and the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165֯. If cooking indoors, place brochettes in an oven pre-heated to 450֯ or place under a well heated broiler on high setting. Cook five to six minutes on each side.
  6. Arrange brochettes on a serving platter and spoon remaining marinade over them. Arrange scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds on top. Serve the slaw alongside.

RECIPE: SHRIMP, CHORIZO, AND SWEET RED AND YELLOW PEPPER BROCHETTES

Side Dish: Orzo with Safran

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the marinade:

  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • 6 large cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 1 Tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste

 

For the orzo:

  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp saffron threads
  • ½ cup chopped flat leaf parsley
  • ½ cup orzo

 

For the brochettes:

  • 16 ¼”-thick slices cured chorizo
  • 12 large shrimp, peeled with tail on (size U8)
  • 1 red bell pepper, halved, seeded, and cut in 1.5” square
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, halved, seeded, and cut in 1.5” square
  • 6 cippolini onions, blanched, peeled, halved

Procedure

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup olive oil, garlic, thyme, paprika, tomato paste and chopped parsley with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. In a separate bowl toss shrimp, peppers, sliced chorizo and half the cippolini onions with just enough marinade to coast. Arrange them on brochettes, sandwiching each piece of shrimp between two pieces of pepper and placing a cippolini onion half and chorizo slice between each set of shrimp and peppers.
  3. Arrange brochettes on a sheet tray and refrigerate covered for at least three hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator one hour prior to cooking.
  4. Just before grilling, tighten up your brochettes, making sure the ingredients are closely pressed together, as this will make for even cooking.
  5. Bring salted water to a boil in a saucepan, add orzo and cook approximately 7 minutes to al dente. Drain, setting aside 1/2 cup of the pasta liquid.
  6. In the meantime, coarsely chop the trim from the red and yellow peppers and slice the remaining cippolini onion. In a medium skillet, add 2 Tbsp olive oil, remaining cippolini onion and chopped red and yellow pepper trim. Cook stirring over medium heat, until soft and lightly caramelized. Incorporate half the remaining marinade and saffron. Add orzo and just enough of the reserved orzo cooking liquid to loosen the mixture slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in chopped parsley.
  7. On a heated grill, cook brochettes approximately five to six minutes on each side, until browned and the shrimp have reached an internal temperature of 165֯. If cooking indoors, arrange brochettes on a sheet tray and place in an oven pre-heated to 450֯ or place under a well heated broiler on high setting. Cook 5-6 minutes on each side.
  8. Place brochettes on a serving platter and spoon remaining marinade over them. Arrange orzo alongside.

 

It’s been a hot summer and we’ve rounded up our favorite summer cocktails to help you—and your guests—beat the heat. Best of all, they’re equal parts easy and impressive.


 

Lemonade

Photo: ©Chip Klose | Cocktail by Loriana Sanabria, The Norm

A sweet, tart citrus blast, lemonade epitomizes summer. We’ve upped the game with the Fashionable Astronaut at The Norm. Created by Loriana Sanabria for our latest menu at Maxim’s at The Norm, it’s the perfect summer refresher. Fresh summer fruit like raspberries or, in this case, blackberries, punches up the color and the flavor of a traditional lemonade. To make Loriana’s version at home, add your concentrated blackberry lemonade base to a glass, add the ice cubes, and then slowly pour in chilled seltzer water to get the beautiful ombre effect.

For an adults-only version, add your favorite clear spirit (vodka, gin, or tequila will all work) after the blackberry lemonade and ice, then top with chilled seltzer. It’s sure to be a hit!

Batch Cocktails

Keep your guests hydrated throughout the party—without lifting a finger. Prepare a batch cocktail (also known as a punch or a pitcher cocktail) in advance and let your guests help themselves. Use clear beverage dispensers and layer in fruits, vegetables, and herbs to add color and flavor.

Photo: ©Chip Klose | Cocktail by Loriana Sanabria, The Norm

One cocktail we love right now is Loriana’s Tailor’s White Sangria on the Maxim’s at The Norm menu and an homage to Pierre Cardin’s job as a tailor at House of Dior. Two days before your event, mix white grape juice, pomegranate vodka, orange liqueur, honey, and pinot grigio. Add mint and let it steep, refrigerated. One day before your party, cut up strawberries, lemons, limes, and oranges and soak in pinot grigio.

When you’re ready to serve, combine everything in a large pitcher or dispenser and top with sparkling wine. The mint gives an underlying crisp, refreshing taste, and the sangria is just the right amount of boozy and sweet. Try it today at The Norm at Brooklyn Museum!

 

Popsicle Cocktails

Photo: ©Clane Gessel

Popsicles help guests beat the heat during outdoor parties—and they can serve double duty by keeping drinks chilled. You can add popsicles to everything from sparkling wines to vodka sodas to margaritas. Look for popsicle flavors that will complement your drinks. We’ve

paired sparkling wines pair beautifully with homemade mango, strawberry basil or watermelon mint popsicles.

Photo: ©Gabe Palacio