Bring on the warm weather, outdoor celebrations, and all around good vibes of summer! We are beyond excited to announce the launch of our 2024 summer menu and to share some of our new innovations and returning classics. Let’s just say, it’s all about vibrant colors, bold flavors, and irresistible delights for the upcoming season.
Kickin’ Off the Summer Right
We’ve crafted the perfect gluten-free and vegetarian starter for summer: our new Elote Soup. Melissa Haskett, our Event Manager, raves, “The Elote Soup is hands down my favorite. The soup itself is full of delicious flavors, the crispy tortilla strips add the perfect amount of crunch, and the cilantro garnish gives the whole dish a fresh and vibrant feel. I love how our culinary team took a summer favorite and elevated it for our menu.”
We can’t forget to mention our Shaved Summer Squash with Red Pepper Pesto, Fresh Basil, and Herb Roasted Tomato. This dish is another one of our refreshing new vegetarian starters, perfect for any summer occasion!
Unique Flavors of the Season
Our Executive Chef, Nick Webber, has curated a special Spam Slider with Pineapple Kimchi and Pak Choi for this year’s menu. When asked about this new addition, Nick said, “I think spam is an underrated meat. Everyone knows what it is, but when you put the right sweet and acidic flavors together with the salty meat, it comes together really well.” Not to mention, it’s the cutest little slider (with a twist) for your outdoor celebration!
Another one of Nick’s latest obsessions is chayote squash, showcased in our Cumin Lime Grilled Chayote Squash side dish. He says, “It’s different from any other squash I’ve had, and better for grilling and roasting because it’s less watery than zucchini and also not as starchy as butternut squash. I’m actually growing one in my garden this year!”
Returning Summer Classics
Some dishes are just too good to say goodbye to! That's why this year, our Brandywine Tomato Gazpacho, Honey Harissa Carrots, Ancho Chili Chicken Flautas, Pecan Cornmeal Blini, and Compressed Melon are making a comeback on our summer menu.
Summer-Time Staff Favorites
The Summer Heirloom Tomatoes and Fresh Melon Salad with Tahini Dressing and Garden Basil is one of our all time favorite additions to this year’s menu. This particular menu item was inspired by a dish Nick ate years ago at the Corson Building while celebrating his wife’s birthday. He says, “Tomatoes and melons are so good in the summertime. The sweetness of the melon combined with the acidic flavor of the tomatoes pairs surprisingly well with the slight bitterness of the tahini.”
Libby Williamson, our Event Manager, is especially excited about our Seared Halibut entree complete with a Guajillo Sauce and Grilled Nopal Salsa. She says, “the sauce reminds me of one of my favorite restaurants in Bellingham.” Noted, this entree is a must-try!
Fun fact: we developed our Honeyed Feta Toast with Shaved Shallot and Cucumber Salad for a fundraising event themed “aglow.” Chef Nick shares, “Did you know that cucumbers glow under a blacklight? The pickled shallots are a translucent pink that pairs nicely with the green of the cucumber." This appetizer was such a hit at the fundraiser that we had to bring it back for our summer menu!
Irresistible Desserts & Cocktails
Our incredibly talented Pastry Chef, Brideen Baker, shares her passion project for the season: the Tropical Curd and Coconut Cookie Stack with Whipped Cream and Fresh Fruit. It’s the perfect bright and summery dessert for the season, and according to Brideen, pairs perfectly with a chocolate dessert.
Speaking of chocolate, experience the perfect mix of rich chocolate and tangy fruit in our Cherry Almond Tartlets with Whipped Cream and Black Cocoa Crust. A definite essential for any summer soirée! Other must-haves include our gluten-free Almond Cake with Espresso Buttercream and Chocolate Ganache, Hibiscus Ganache Cake Bites, PB&J Bars, Banana Chai Whoopie Pies, and so many more.
Don’t forget to savor the taste of summer with our signature Bee’s Knees cocktail featuring Malfy Gin, Lemon Juice, Honey Simple Syrup, and garnished with a Lemon Wedge. It’s the perfect refreshing sip for summer. Bonus points for being served in the most adorable coupe glass!
70s Photoshoot Inspiration
Did you catch the vibe? Our summer menu photoshoot this year was all about channeling the funky vibes of a '70s pool party. Can we just say, Mandee Rae absolutely nailed it! Watching her work her magic (once again) to capture these photos with just the right mix of vibrant colors and vintage flair was an absolute joy.
Click here to view the full menu and dive into all of our new summer dishes!
You can also follow along on Instagram at @tuxedosandtennisshoes to see more photos and features from this year’s menu, and don’t forget to contact us to book your very own summer soirée with all these delicious bites!
Photo Credits:
Backdrop Blanket:
Creative Direction:
Mandee Rae, Matt Haggerty, Desiree Jones, and Abi Haggerty
Written April 2024.
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