The Joys of Maine

Meredith and Erik's early summer wedding brought me back to Maine (for the first time in about eight years) and I rediscovered all the charm this area has to offer all over again. From cute little houses, spas and gift shops to a roadside clam shack and charming lighthouse. Though there was a busy schedule of wedding events and not much time to explore, everyone has to eat! Since it was a warm summer day, when I arrived, and I had a bridesmaid dress to fit into soon, I opted to have a fruit salad for lunch with a strawberry vinagrette dressing that was a nice sweet but tart accent with the goat cheese, blueberries, strawberries and slivered almonds that decorated the top. (This is an easy one to duplicate at home!)

A few hours later the rehearsal dinner started with a New England tradition-clam chowder. A little cup of creamy potato and clam heaven with salted, crispy oyster crackers really is a must-have. (Dress issue aside for this meal.)

Since the beginning and the ending are really the most memorable parts of any life event, the finishing dish was appropriate (and delightful.) There's no dessert that speaks summer tradition more than strawberries with their shortcake. It's the most consistently harmonious pairing I've ever seen.

Cheers to you, summer!