Here's to you, Summer 2011!

Growing up, this was always my favorite time of year. The sun is still out past seven, the nights are slightly cooler and everyone is just relaxed and enjoying summer.

I’ve lived in Boston’s Bay Village since April 2010, but somehow for the last two summers I’ve probably spent more time in Marblehead than in Boston. Yes, summer in Boston is a lot of fun, but there’s something about a Marblehead summer that is just so…so…summer.

I can’t imagine summer without Marblehead. I love walking around town at night when you can still smell the smoke of the cooling coals after a cookout. I love leaving work at night and smelling the ocean. I love walking down to Five Corners Kitchen (next summer, I’ll love walking down all summer, not just part of summer), Caffe Italia or Maddie’s (if it’s been a really long day!) and meeting up with friends. I love hearing the clinks of the glasses as people sip and savor long into the night. Sitting near the harbor and listening to the boats rock back and forth with the waves and occasional bell ring or creak of the dock makes a spectacular summer soundtrack.

I love how fruits and veggies just seem tastier and better. Didn’t each tomato just seem better than the previous one? And what’s a tomato without a little fresh mozz or burrata! I’d rather not think of how many pounds of cheese I consumed this summer. Summer 2011 was definitely the Summer of Cheese for me, but I’m not complaining. Montreal renewed my passion for cheese and, in general, food, and I am so excited to share it with you (get ready for October—it’s the first American Cheese Month—more details as we get closer).

I love the sweet smell of ice cream, but I might love the hints of vanilla from a freshly prepared waffle cone even more (enjoyed a little less this summer sans Terry’s). For me, though, the quintessential summer scent is the char of roasted marshmallows.

But growing up, this was also my least favorite time of year. The new school year is right around the corner, which means back to school shopping trips, homework and overloaded schedules.

Push those last thoughts to the side though! We know that we can’t make summer longer, but we have a lot coming up for you to look forward to. Chef Lynne is working on her broths for our Asian Noodle Soups, her roasted vegetable terrine with basil and parmesan is already back in the case, and mac ‘n cheese hopefully will follow it shortly.

Time to say goodbye to the rosés, although we highly recommend storing a bottle or two for summertime flashback when the weather starts to get to you. BZ will be back at the end of the month for an Australian wine tasting that you won’t want to miss.

I am so excited for American Cheese Month in October! My brother and I are busy now planning out the month for you. It will be a month where we celebrate great American cheeses and the people who make them. We already have confirmation that Jasper Hill Farms and Peter Mohn of Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co (a Marbleheader!) will be making guest appearances, with more to be announced soon. This all leads up to our annual Fall Food and Wine Festival on October 29 (you should all mark this on your calendars now!)

I really hope that all of you had a great summer and had some good food and wine along the way. Thank you to all of you who made my Marblehead summer so great. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve enjoyed each summer more and more. But I can’t wait to see what fall has in store for us this year!

Your Foodie Friend,

Dougy