By Cal Virgilio

This past Saturday, my wife, Lisa, and I went out to dinner at an Irish Pub in Maplewood, NJ. It was a damp and rainy evening, and as we sat by the fire in this cozy restaurant, it hit us both—another summer was coming to an end.

Just last weekend, we were at Lisa’s Uncle Frank’s house at the Jersey shore, sitting by the pool in 80-degree weather. Frank’s house was built for summer entertaining. The property sits on a lagoon in Brick Township. He has a salt-water pool, fire-pit and ample patio space for relaxing. And if we get tired of sitting by the pool, Frank will start up his boat and we’ll troll out to the bay for cocktail hour. Summer living doesn’t get much better than a weekend at Franks.

Frank’s neighbor has 12 grandkids, all between the ages of 7 and 13. They spend their summer weekends at their uncles beach house. Here they are coming back from a tuna fishing trip. As you can see, these kids have the life.

Frank is starting up his boat for a sunset cruise.

Burrate with Heirloom Tomatoes and Toasted Bread

Spicy Lobster Pasta

So now that there are just a few days of summer left, let’s take advantage of the last of the seasonal offerings we’ll be dreaming of when it’s 30 degrees and snowing in December. Farmer’s markets are still filled with produce such as heirloom tomatoes, and fruits such as peaches and blueberries. And if you want to finish summer with a bang, what better way than to steam some Lobsters and mix in with a rich pasta sauce?

Peach and Blueberry pie. Can’t serve it without vanilla ice cream.

Nothing better than ending a late summer night by the fire pit and enjoying a glass of wine. Pictured here are Lisa’s parents, brother and sister, and Frank’s fiancé, Kara.

Don’t get me wrong, I am very excited for autumn and comfort food season. Hearty stews, pot pies and just about anything made with pumpkin…what’s not to love? But this weekend, I’ll hold off on slow cooking my food and allow the flavors of summer to do the work.

The Menu

Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Toasted Bread

Spicy Lobster Pasta

Peach & Blueberry Pie