Citrus
Aquavit Bloody Marys
This classic tomato juice cocktail gets extra flavor from aquavit, a distilled spirit infused with fragrant herbs and spices.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Corn on the cob is slathered in crema or mayonnaise, topped with cotija cheese, and dusted with cayenne in this classic Mexican street food.
Red-Cooked Chicken with Shiitakes
Falling-off-the-bone chicken is cooked in a Chinese-inspired citrus sauce— the source of its reddish-brown color.
Roast Capon with Lemon, Thyme, and Onions
Capon's richness is perfectly complemented by mellow roasted onions and shallots. Though you can find frozen capons in almost every supermarket, we recommend ordering a fresh one from the butcher—the meat will be silkier and more delicious.
Hollywood Thai Beef Salad
The Standard Hollywood, which serves celebrities such as Heather Graham and Megan Mullally, has a trendy diner feel, but you'll find more than the burger special on the menu. Executive chef David Linville offers international treats like this salad with protein-rich lean flank steak.
By David Linville
Hearts of Palm Salad with Ruby Red Grapefruit and Dungeness Crab
Chef Kerry Simon (celebrity fans at his showy Las Vegas restaurant, Simon Kitchen and Bar, include Kate Hudson and Lucy Liu) is bringing his simple, organic American cuisine closer to the stars with the planned opening of Simon LA at the Sofitel Hotel this month. This succulent salad provides vitamins, including A, C and folate, among others, plus some zinc from the hearts of palm and juicy ruby red grapefruit.
By Kerry Simon
Tuna, Fennel, Avocado, and Tangerine Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Taste restaurant is something of an anomaly in Tinseltown: low-key, affordable and friendly; the hostess smiles whether you're wearing Chanel or Old Navy. It's no wonder that stars such as Cameron Diaz and Selma Blair like to dine here. This salad, from chef Cathy Halter, is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce heart disease risk.
By Cathy Halter
Fresh Fruit Smoothie
Editor's note: The recipe below is excerpted from Cal-a-Vie Living: Gourmet Spa Cuisine and is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Cal-a-Vie.
Firecracker Spinach Salad with Orange Sesame Dressing
Editor's note: The recipe below is excerpted from Cal-a-Vie Living: Gourmet Spa Cuisine and is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Cal-a-Vie.
This salad was inspired by Chef Dave Armour in 1989 and can be prepared with any lettuce. We like to add hoisin-crusted shrimp to this, just warm enough to wilt the spinach, and, of course, some homemade bread hot out of the oven.
Homemade Popsicles
**Editor's note:**This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick's and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For Hammick's and Packer's tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here.
Kids love Popsicles, and when made from fruit and yogurt, they are healthy as well as delicious. Popsicle molds are available from kitchen or department stores. If you're short of time, you can also make popsicles from ready-made smoothies.
By Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle, Molasses, and Orange Glaze
Spicy, smoky, and sweet, this would be a great side for grilled pork tenderloin.
Steamed Lobster with Lemon-Herb Butter
Coleslaw and a great loaf of bread are all you need with this. (But don't forget a good bottle of white wine, too.)
Asian Noodle Salad with Eggplant, Sugar Snap Peas, and Lime Dressing
For a heartier dish, add sliced grilled steak or chicken. Hoisin sauce can be found in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets and at Asian markets.
Chilled Honey-Roasted Peach and Cardamom Soup with Vanilla Cream
Serve this slightly sweet soup as a cooling first course or a light dessert.
Hemingway Daiquiri
Said to be created for Ernest Hemingway by Constantino Ribalaigua Vert at El Floridita in Havana.
Editor's note: This drink comes from And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the World in Ten Cocktails by Wayne Curtis (Crown Publishers) and was featured as a Cocktail of the Month.
By Wayne Curtis
Avocado Daiquiri
This delicious tweak on a classic is from Hip Sips by Lucy Brennan (Chronicle Books, Spring 2007) and was featured as a Cocktail of the Month.
By Lucy Brennan