The Best Meal of the Summer

I am still thinking about this meal a month later so I have decided that I have to blog about it. 

This night was extra special.  The weather was perfect.  It was a beautiful summer evening -- not too hot, not too cold, low humidity ---and we got to eat outside surrounded by twinkling lights.  The mix of people was great. Everyone was relaxed and in a good mood.  Lots of stories were told.  The food was fantastic.  There was great wine to go with it.  Magic!

Sharkey Salmon Fest

We were lucky enough to be invited to the Sharkey Salmon Fest, where their son Matt's Alaskan king salmon, caught earlier in the summer, was to be the star.  I say "was" because the whole meal was a star, not just the fish!

Planked Alaskan King Salmon

The salmon was truly superb.  John grilled it on cedar planks.  It was a beautiful color, succulent, and unlike any salmon we can get around here. 

The wine was also outstanding.

Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake

Chris's desserts were unbelievable.

Lemon Raspberry Ladyfinger Cake

Not one, but two, fantastic confections.

Rice Pilaf with Peas, Celery and Toasted Almonds

And the rice dish was an old favorite of Chris's. I had forgotten about it.  The first time I had it was over twenty plus years ago when she brought it to a Twister event at CMoG.  I will post the recipe for it some day.  It is really good.  The dressing has a little sesame seed oil in it. 

Etta's Cornbread Pudding

Another treat was the decadent cornbread pudding.  It is a recipe from Etta's, a Tom Douglas restaurant.  It is a savory dish made with baked cornbread. It is baked again with cheese, herbs, cream and eggs.  It would be excellent as a Thanksgiving dish. 

Steamed Broccoli

The steamed broccoli with lemon was one of Tom's favorite parts of the meal.  And we had local tomatoes, which were at their peak, with mozzarella. 

Chris and John created a wonderful meal and evening that will be savored for a long time.  And congrats to Matt for catching the beautiful salmon on his trip to Alaska with his dad!