SWEET PEA CUISINE  |  PRIVATE CHEF MENUS

Summer

Dinner Party Menu

Seasonal menus for intimate gatherings, elegant dinners and beautifully prepared summer entertaining.

Prepared by Chef Marcia Puc, private chef in Connecticut

Menus may be customized based on seasonality, preferences and guest needs.

These are the dinners I cook for spring and summer dinner parties in Connecticut homes, from backyard evenings to birthday and anniversary dinners. Start with appetizers or a board, then choose one salad, one entrée and one dessert, and we'll shape the menu at your consultation around your guests and any dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian. On the day, I shop, cook, plate, serve and clean up.

Seafood Appetizers

Crispy Potato Latkes

with Smoked Salmon and Lemon Dill Cream

Maryland Style Crab Cakes

with Classic Remoulade

Seared Tuna Carpaccio

with Avocado Mash, Furikake, Pickled Ginger

Lobster and Corn Fritters

with Herb Aioli

Grilled Salmon Bites

with Maple Bourbon Glaze

Chili Lime Shrimp on Crispy Tostada

with Guacamole

Vegetarian Appetizers

Black Bean Cakes

with Chipotle Aioli

Arancini

with Pesto Aioli or Basil Marinara

Fried Goat Cheese Balls

with Honey Drizzle

Roasted Halloumi Cheese

with Olives, Roasted Bell Peppers, Walnuts, Mint

Wild Mushroom Tart

with Caramelized Onions, Gruyère

Crispy Polenta Bites

with Manchego and Romesco Sauce

Roasted Pee Wee Potatoes

with Crème Fraîche, Chives, Truffle Salt

Whipped Ricotta Flatbread

with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Flatbread with Burrata

Smashed Green Olives, Oranges, Pistachio

Mascarpone, Fennel and Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Bites

Crostini with Whipped Feta

Beet Carpaccio, Cilantro Mint Pesto

Chickpea Fries

with Garlic Aioli

Asparagus Wrapped in Puff Pastry

Meat Appetizers

Asian Grilled Chicken Skewers

with Ginger Peanut Dipping Sauce

Moroccan Grilled Chicken Skewers

with Mango Salsa

Pan Roasted Lamb Lollipops

with Chimichurri Sauce or Pomegranate Glaze

Spiced Lamb Meatballs

with Lebanese Yogurt Dipping Sauce

Sourdough Grilled Cheese

with Chipotle Pulled Chicken and Jack Cheese

Spiced Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

with Feta, Mint

Honey and Korean Chili Glazed Popcorn Chicken

Grilled Skirt Steak Flatbread

with Whipped Feta, Chimichurri

Short Rib Chili in Corn Cups

with Lime Crema

Asian Beef Skewers

with Ginger-Sesame Glaze

Sweet Italian Sausage Bites

with Cherry Tomatoes and Balsamic Glaze

Boards

Mezze Board

hummus, baba ganoush, muhammara, olives, artichokes, feta, stuffed grape leaves, pita

Charcuterie

cheeses, grilled pickled veggies, olives, jam, honey, nuts, crackers

Salads

choose one

Summer Garden Salad

tomatoes, baby romaine, cucumber, roasted red peppers, feta cheese with lemon caper dill dressing

Stacked Tomato Salad

with Black Olive Tapenade, Fresh Mozzarella and Honey Basil Dressing

Sweet Cherries, Beets and Pistachio Salad

with Arugula and Whipped Goat Cheese with Pomegranate Dressing

Classic Caesar Salad

with Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan and Sourdough Croutons

Grilled Peaches

with Burrata, Candied Pecans and Arugula

Watermelon, Tomato and Feta

with Mint, Basil and Lime

Entrées