Last weekend we had some friends over for an outdoor dinner party, and I didn’t really have much of a plan when it came to the menu, which is rare. I just took a trip to the Pasadena’s Farmer’s Market and picked up what was fresh and kind of just went with the inspiration provided by the gorgeous produce. I plan to blog about it next week, but here’s a little sneak peek:

Three kinds of juicy, heirloom tomatoes. Is there a more perfect summer food than ripe tomatoes? I think not:

Gorgeous herbs all in a row: cilantro, basil, Italian parsley, chives and thyme:

Multi-colored baby carrots:

Maine lobster, purchased at Fish King:

Which held an unexpected surprise: lobster roe (eggs), right in the tail:

And, I’m sure this may gross some of you out but to me, it’s like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow: lots of tomalley, the creamy, green substance found in the cavity of the lobster:

………which, when spread on crackers and sprinkled with sea salt, makes the perfect thing to munch on with a glass of prosecco while you’re cooking the rest of your meal………delicious!

Next post: the actual dinner party and my favorite summer menu so far.

Have a great weekend!