Chef's night ~ at the beach

One of the BEST traditions we ever started with our annual famly beach trips . . . is the alternating family cook nights.
We sit back and let the 'kids' do the cooking. As with most things . . . it turns into a friendly competition. Of course, it isn't just ramen noodles with shrimp ~ this is Top Chef . . . Beach style !  We have a full out menu, with drinks, appetizers, meal and dessert.

Which leaves Lolly and LuLu more time for this ~ ~ ~

This year Chef Rob was going to turn up the heat . . . with a nod to the Gulf Coast.
All fresh from the market and gluten free.

While Brooke played hostess with the mostest, and all around sous chef.

We started the evening with a 'Ginny Hendricks'. Ice cold Hendricks gin infused with a cucumber simple syrup.
Our gluten free appetizer was Thyme roasted Brie with fresh peaches and pecan crackers.

The main meal was fresh caught grouper, pan fried with lemon and thyme. Oven roasted potatoes with roasted figs and peaches. We also had chardonnay saute'd green beans.

I didn't get a photo of the watermelon sorbet . . . all made in our condo kitchen!
Awesome!
Not only was I not in the kitchen ~ but it gave me more time for this...

and THAT's what it's all about.

Don't forget to check in at Smiling Sally for more blues and Boogie Board Cottage for her Masterpiece Monday.
Y'all have a Happy Labor Day ~

Sandi