We're rocking into the summer here on the Chesapeake Bay— mostly on porches or in hammocks— but rocking never the less. It's been a busy time in Coastal Cooking world with a full schedule of new shows being taped and a little time reserved to sweep away the last of the cicadas.
I was delighted to have my friend. Nathalie Dupree— the first lady of southern cooking and living— join us as a guest on Coastal Cooking earlier this month. After a wild ride to the airport, and some plane delays in getting here, Nathalie bounced right back and was in fine form as she taught me how to prepare an authentic Frogmore Stew— a traditional Carolina one pot meal chock-full of jumbo shrimp. sausage, sweet corn, onions, and potatoes. Not only are all these ingredients delicious, the aromatic broth from the stew is fine all by itself, or even better when sopped up with one of Nathalie's amazing Angel Biscuits— heavenly.
Summer would not really be summer here in Baltimore without the sweet sounds of jazz music wafting through the humid summer evening breezes. I'm talking about the Jazz in the Sculpture Garden Series at the Baltimore Museum of Art, which kicks off its 2004 season on July 3rd with the contemporary sounds of T. K. Blue. Yes, it's jazz under the stars and I'm planning a melodious menu that evening for our jazz concert guests who will be dining with us in the BMA's Wurtzburger Sculpture Garden, on the patio of my restaurant, Gertrude's.
Speaking of the Baltimore Museum of Art, I'm excited about our new summer exhibit, which opened June 20th and runs through September 5th. Nationally acclaimed artist, Kerry James Marshall, a recipient of the coveted Mac Arthur "Genius" Award is featured in a remarkable show that features Marshall's large-scale paintings, sculpture, photography, installation and video. It's a summer must see!
On the farmers market watch: sweet peas are at the end of their short season. Local strawberries are still looking beautiful. Stayed tuned because sweet summer corn, ruby red Maryland tomatoes, and fragrant peaches are up real soon. So... walk, jog, bike, or drive yourself over to your local farmers market for the best food money can buy, a little social time, and a great chance to support our local communities! I'll see you there.
