The Coastal Siti Season is On Her Way
What's In and Out (food-wise) for this summer
IT’S HOT OUTSIDE.
My initial thoughts on summer go to minor things that can go wrong (heat exhaustion, carsickness, sunburns, etc.), but I am challenging my perspective and focusing on the pros of the heat! We have sun! We have a little more daytime! And more importantly, we have new “menu” items unlocked.
Here’s “what’s in” for summer 2023 for me!
silly little food trips
I’m not talking about full Guy Fieri road-tripping to Flavortown. I’m talking about hanging out with friends and then unanimously thinking…what if we got ice cream?! Or a milkshake?! Or breakfast from Whataburger because it’s past 11 pm?!
Technically, these can be done all year round, but there’s something cathartic about summer. Maybe it’s the elementary freedom after living in a semester-scheduled lifestyle my entire life. Maybe it’s just a new-found freedom of wanting to enjoy life.
who knows! But if you are anyone who spends time with me in a vehicle, there’s a good chance I’m recommending a food detour.
pasta salad
This is a new obsession I craved as soon as the temperature started rising. I’ve never been a pasta salad person until about a year ago.
I was visiting my sister last July, and she made this fantastic pasta salad with what she had (whilst watching Golden Girls, iconic and very Siti of us). It was bright, fresh, filling, delicious—truly checked all the boxes.
I used to think pasta salad could only be an overcooked, mayo-based, midwestern side dish. But pasta salads with in-season vegetables, herbs, something marinated (like artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes), and a lot of feta have changed the game.
I’m not the only one thinking this, my social media pages have been consumed with delicious pasta salad recipes that scream summer. And I am here for it!
funky ice cream
I’m also here for the obscure, “Wow, I didn’t think of that” kind of ice cream. Especially if it’s one that has a little spice? I’m sold, I will be buying it.
At the shop I’m currently working at, we’re selling a honey peach habanero ice cream and it is GENIUS. Subtle, rich, not too sweet, and the heat hits right at the end in the back of your mouth. It’s a whole experience, and you either love it or you hate it—and I’m for sure a lover.
Bonus: I’m striving to make this a summer of affogatos (traditionally gelato but ice cream is typical with a shot of espresso).
Again, it’s an experience and it’s fun!
ESPECIALLY WITH THE HONEY PEACH HABANERO?
With a little cinnamon? It’s the it-girl dessert of the summer!
She’s SO COOL!
watermelon and more
Last summer, at another shop I worked at, our wonderful kitchen created this gorgeous, watermelon cucumber salad that I still think about a year later.
Anything that’s a dish with watermelon at the center, is a little savory, and isn’t gelatinous? I’m pumped and ready to try.
It’s watermelon paired with cucumber, mint, feta, olive oil, salt, and pepper, that’s it! I’m sure there are hundreds of variations of this kind of summer side, but it’s so simple and so SO refreshing. As soon as watermelon is on sale in my area, I’m making this.
summer slaws
short and sweet. If it’s got a slaw of some kind (anything pickled, cruciferous-ly shredded, and tangy) it’s going on top of whatever I’m eating. Sandwiches, salads, tacos, (pupusas).
does. not. matter.
It’s summer, it’s going on the plate.
sharing food!
This is something I’ve talked about quite a bit. But I guess it’s because I’m passionate…or whatever.
This summer, my goal is to open up my doors even further to share with colleagues and friends and live for what the girls actually want—dinner parties.
I’m theoretically washing my table runners and planning the next course as I speak (or type…you get the gist).
I hope you feel inspired and ready for the summer season. I know I am, or as much as I can be!
With love,
Cara