It is no secret, there are certain ingredients and techniques that make a meal delicious, easy to prepare, and appealing to most people:
Fresh Fish
If you enjoy fish, there’s nothing quite like freshly caught fish. The mere knowledge of its freshness enhances its taste. In Westhampton Bay, the most prized catch is fluke—a “summer flounder” that can grow quite large. These fish are often called “doormats” due to their size. While there are size limits and most fishing is catch-and-release, my cousin and his friends used to prefer “fillet and release.” Regardless of size, even if you’re not typically a fish enthusiast, you’ll likely enjoy well-prepared, fresh fluke.
Butter and Garlic
This winning combination is central to many popular dishes worldwide. However, not everyone appreciates this savory duo. My aunt once claimed she was allergic to garlic. When my cousin took her to a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Los Angeles, she became tearful because she couldn’t find anything on the menu she could eat.
Fresh Herbs
One of the joys of summer in Westhampton is my mother’s herb garden. Despite losing some plants during the house reconstruction, the core of the garden remains intact. Adding fresh chives, dill, thyme, and basil can elevate any dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Few people dislike mashed potatoes—they’re the ultimate comfort food. While we might avoid them due to their carb and calorie content, serve them on a plate and people will happily indulge. Combine them with the flavors mentioned above, and your friends and family will be delighted.
Garden Salad
It may sound cliché, but summer salads are simply superior. Local lettuce from the farm stand tastes noticeably better. Home-grown tomatoes in August are a real treat. Ironically, both my son-in-law and daughter-in-law dislike tomatoes. I can’t explain how that happened, but it’s their loss—more for the rest of us!
Mise En Place… the key ingredients
Ease of preparation is also key. The French concept of mise en place works wonders. Having all your ingredients prepared in advance is crucial:
- Fish brought to room temperature and seasoned with salt and pepper
- Olive oil at hand
- Potatoes boiled until fork-tender, with milk, butter, salt & pepper ready
- Butter
- Garlic, diced
- Herbs, chopped
- Salad prepped and vinaigrette at hand
With your preparation complete, you can enjoy your adult beverages by the pool with a light appetizer. Give your guests a 15-minute warning and recruit three assistants:
- One to mash potatoes
- Another to toss the salad
- A third to open and pour the wine
Delegation works well—people like to help, and with a little direction, a meal can come together beautifully.
Here are some closing statement options to wrap up your crowd-pleasing meal:
- Express gratitude: Thank your guests for coming and your helpers for their assistance in preparing the meal.
- Share a toast: Raise a glass to good food, good company, and the simple pleasures of life.
- Invite feedback: Encourage your guests to share their favorite part of the meal or any new flavor combinations they enjoyed.
- Plan for next time: Suggest making these gatherings a regular occurrence, perhaps with rotating hosts or themes.
- End with a light dessert: Offer a simple, refreshing dessert like fresh fruit or a small scoop of sorbet to cleanse the palate.
There is one more secret that we should remember, the key to a memorable meal is not just the food, but the warmth and hospitality you provide. A relaxed host creates a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring everyone leaves with fond memories and full stomachs.