Summer is officially here and we don’t know about you, but we’ve been thinking of alfresco dinners for months. We’ve been dreaming up idyllic menus and settings, picnics and ingredients and—yes, you guessed it— wine!

As we ease into a new season and enjoy the early fall days that start with overcast and crisp mornings followed by bright blue skies by midday, I wanted to pay tribute to one of my favorite trios: food, wine, and sunshine. To celebrate the slower season, a bowl of pasta generously finished with Pecorino Romano, and a glass of fizzy Pet Nat to toast with!  

A few weeks ago we ventured out to the Flying Fish patio for their amazing fish and chips. After our indulgent lunch, we stepped into their little fish market and saw they had just gotten some beautiful albacore tuna, we couldn’t resist! Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor — these tostadas are perfect for a casual mid-week dinner or a fun weekend lunch in your backyard!

A couple of weeks ago, we set out to find picnic-worthy spots in and around Portland and we thought we’d share some photos from our adventure! Whether you go by the water, to the nearest park, or even on a rooftop, we hope you feel inspired to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy as many moments outdoors as you possibly can, it is good for the soul!

Our friends at Copper River Salmon shared with us one of their favorite salmon recipes by San Diego chef, Justin McChesney-Wachs. Start the grill, pour yourself a glass of chilled wine, and enjoy the short and easy process of putting this chimichurri salmon on your table!

Earlier this week we made these crispy potatoes recipe by our friend Jodi Moreno and we assure you, the addition of dried piquín peppers to this aioli is heavenly! This whole dish is a real party of flavor and textures and we absolutely think you need to try it! 

Ashley Rodriguez showed us how to make mussels with caramelized fennel cream from her book, Let’s Stay In. If you want to follow Ashley’s step by step as we chat about life in the times of COVID-19 and her favorite books, you can find our conversation here. We made it and devoured it—it was perfection!

Our nearly five-month adventure creating inspiring dining experiences in partnership with Patrón Tequila started back in early July. Full of anticipation, our team visited Hacienda Patrón – Patrón’s distillery in Jalisco – to learn about the tequila making process.

Is it time to go back to New Orleans yet? Yes, our Supper in the Big Easy was that special! Well into the Fall, we made it to Louisiana quite excited to experience the unparalleled hospitality of the South, and that we did.

Amidst live guitar, chatter, and laughter the evening came to a close. Although this Supper definitely came with some logistical challenges, the perfect views from Tularcitos Ridge and the feeling of seclusion were definitely worth it. We loved every moment of our return to California; we will never tire of reveling in its bounty and admiring its beauty!