Food & Drink

One of my favorite things about traveling outside the United States is the ability to leisurely dine. Three to four-course meals served over a few hours, a carafe of wine, outdoor setting – you really can’t go wrong.

With those warm days of summer behind us and the air becoming crisp and cooler, it’s the time to turn on our ovens and make some love the old fashioned way…Bake a pie!

When that slight briskness in the air comes to town and I have crunching leaves under my feet, the only thing that I crave is the warm flavors of the season, especially cinnamon and maple. So, when that day comes, I’m rushing home to make this absolutely amazing and addicting Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon-Maple Glaze.

This newly tried salad is the coolest and most quenching during warm days. Now in season, watermelon among other fruits, plays a beneficial role in keeping our bodies healthy and functioning. Look for the really lush green ones with a good spherical shape—these are full of nutrients and help quench your thirst.

I am a carnivore at heart. There is nothing I appreciate more than a quality steak, or a good burger. I tried the vegetarian route when I was younger (for a few weeks), and it quickly became clear to me that meat was going to remain a staple in my diet. As I get older, I search for high quality cuts and stick mainly to primarily grass-fed or aged. Quality over quantity!

Living in a second-floor apartment, in New York, during the summer, is difficult for an amateur chef like myself. I often feel limited with the cooking vessels I can use, and it’s generally not worth putting the oven on if my air conditioning units are working hard and I’m struggling to stay cool.

I feel blessed to live on Long Island, especially during the summertime, when it flaunts its lush green landscape, and beautiful waterways. Long Island, especially the north and south forks, are home to many family owned farmsteads. This time of year, take full advantage and support our local farms and farmer’s markets.

Summer is officially upon us, and it’s time to enjoy your next meal outside. Whether it’s drinks and apps, or a sit-down dinner, Long Island offers an assortment of al fresco dining options.

Chef Frank Catania Upon graduating from Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute in 1987, Frank was chosen for a paid internship where he worked for three months at Harrah’s Hotel in Lake Tahoe.

Limón is Spanish for the yellow, juicy, and citrus lemon! Its snappy flavor makes it the perfect summertime ingredient for desserts.

Luis Estevez began his career after moving from Spain to Brazil at the age of 15; where he owned and operated “Cafe Luis” for three years before deciding to come to the states in 1968.

Tis’ the season to celebrate dad with some grilling and chilling! Our local farm stands and farmers markets are proudly displaying the earth’s finest–boasting with vibrant colors, tastes and varieties.