Happy Summer Solstice, you guys! Now that summer is officially here, here’s a little something to get your appetite going for grilling season.

I recently was invited to a summer grilling preview of Wolfgang Puck’s upcoming seasonal menu. Not only were the bites and sips varied and scrumptious, but the Target Terrace at L.A. Live where the event was held really made for a stunning evening.

We enjoyed specialty cocktails and gourmet bites while overlooking the downtown L.A. skyline during sunset. It was a great escape from the rest of life for a few glorious hours! Here’s a little recap of some of the highlights of the evening:

Among small bites, the following were served:

• Seared Scallop BLT with Pancetta, Cherry Tomato, and Micro Greens
• Duck Rillettes with Peach Hoisin on Watermelon Radish
• Grilled Bruschetta with Strawberries, Spinach and Almonds
• Buffalo Chicharrónes with Buttermilk Bleu Cheese Mousse, Celery and Carrot
• Texas Toast with Bone Marrow Butter and Pickled Onion
• Bacon Candy with Brown Sugar and Chili Powder

From the grill, we had:

• Prime Beef Sliders
• Beer-Brined Whole Roasted Beer Can Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce
• Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chops with Herb Butter and Polenta
• Grilled Lobster with Black Garlic, Drawn Butter and Corn Puree
• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Cilantro-Pesto Mayo, Cotija Cheese and Lime
• Stilled Rib-Eye Steak

The sizzling sides (some my favorites were from this station!):

• Grilled Hearts of Romaine with Rustic Croutons and Creamy Caesar
• Grilled Peaches with Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata (A winner!)
• Spring Pea Agnolotti
• Summer Corn Agnolotti (I want more. Buckets more!)
• Grilled Vegetable Gratin
• Duck Fat Tater Tots

Mini red velvet waffle cones!

For a sweet finish, the following desserts were served:

• Red Velvet Waffle Cone with Cream Cheese Ice Cream
• Summer Berry Pavlova Tartlets
• Grilled Pound Cake with Cherry Compote
• Nutella Pudding with Bruleed Banana
• Skillet Bread Pudding with Bourbon Crème Anglaise

We washed it all down with these specialty sips:

• Garden Collins
• Bourbon Sweet Tea
• Watermelon Rosemary Lemonade
• Tarragon Sweet Tea
• White Peach Sangria

White Peach Sangria, with Hotel Figueroa in the background! A perfect LA evening.

Wolfgang Puck is a must-go for summer bites, if you’ don’t feel like grilling in the heat… and if you do, hope you got some creative inspiration :). ‘Til next time, cheers!

Dirty Chai with love.