The Hottest Summer Eats and Treats
The summer is always one of the busiest eating seasons of the year, and we’ve been traveling and indulging in some seriously delicious bites and sips around the country. From chili dogs, Indian donuts, shrimp and grits, grilled pizza and more—our time exploring these food-centric festivals was made cooler thanks to Pure Leaf Tea House Collection. Get ready for some genuine food envy.
Tiffany Lopinsky1/17All of the Food Fests, All of the Time
When it’s hot out, you can find us seeking the best new restaurants, food festivals and flavor finds in cities around the country. Each year foodies descend upon University Park Common and Sidney Street for the Taste of Cambridge—a haven for gastronomical adventures and a chance to sample delicious, creative and healthy bites from award-winning local chefs and restaurants.
Tiffany Lopinsky2/17When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip
As a kick off to the Taste of Cambridge, Boston hot-spot and former Top 50 Best New Restaurant, Alden & Harlow fried up homemade chips with a creamy delicious three onion dip. (Could we get a supply of this for football season? Ok, thanks.)
Tiffany Lopinsky3/17BYO Cocktail Umbrella—This Is Basically Vacation
The crew from Ole Restaurant Group weren’t playing when they roasted and presented whole suckling pig to the food loving crowd at Taste of Cambridge. Anything presented with a tropical vibe (including whole pineapples) is A-OK with us.
Tiffany Lopinsky4/17This Is a Donut We Can Get Down With
Summer is a perfect time to try new flavors and these dahi vada (Indian savory fried donuts) from Shanti were on point. Topped with mint, tamarind chutney, yogurt sauce and microgreens, we wouldn’t judge you for having more than one helping.
Tiffany Lopinsky5/17A Pairing Lesson for Summertime Fun
When you mix chips and dips, a pork belly bun (from Bao Nation) and the hot summer sun—pairing them with a refreshing beverage like the Tea House Collection Black Tea with Sicilian Lemon and Honeysuckle flavor is a must. The Pure Leaf Tea House Collection brews premium organic teas, expertly crafted with exquisite ingredients. Pinkies up! This is our kind of tea party.
Tiffany Lopinsky6/17Throw Another Pizza on the Barbie!
Grilled pizza? Be still, our beating heart. These beauties from Viale were topped with a smoky eggplant caponata, salty black olives, pesto, and the creamiest ricotta salata. Consider this a lesson in pie perfection.
Tiffany Lopinsky7/17Hey Hot Dog, How You Doin'?
We’d have to agree that the humble hot dog is pretty much the icon of American summer, but a ridiculously GOOD hot dog almost makes us tear up. “The Abbey Dogs” at Taste of Cambridge were the real deal—topped with rich and “just spicy enough” chili and cheese.
Tiffany Lopinsky8/17Our New Favorite Sandwich Cookie
In Boston, Flour Bakery and it’s pastry chef Joanne Chang are synonymous with dessert love. They arrived at Taste of Cambridge with a sweet addition—the most delicious, handmade mini Oreos. And you better believe we found a glass of milk to dunk them in.
Tiffany Lopinsky9/17Oh My Cheeses
The artisan meats and cheeses from Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge were not to be missed. Perhaps one of our favorites was the wheel of Harbison soft-ripened cheese, from Jasper Hill Farm. If we had our way, you’d basically find us hiding in a corner, scooping up it’s woodsy, sweet center paired with a bottle of Chardonnay. Heaven on earth.
Suzi Pratt10/17Serious Lakeside Deliciousness
What is summer without a festival by the water? The scenic Marina Park overlooking Lake Washington set the scene for Kirkland Uncorked—a weekend long celebration that featured a tasting garden, street fair, live music, burger brawl, grill off and much more.
Suzi Pratt11/17A Tasty Trio of Teas
There’s nothing more refreshing in the heat of summer than a glass of iced tea. Guests at Kirkland Uncorked were treated to the Pure Leaf Tea House Collection and a trio of organic flavors. These expertly crafted teas are brewed with premium tea leaves and the very best ingredients.
Suzi Pratt12/17We All Scream for Ice Cream
An epic dessert usually starts out with a delectable vessel. At Kirkland Uncorked, these homemade waffle cones were filled with rich and creamy farm-fresh ice creams, seasonal berry toppings, and sauces from Oregon’s favorite institution, Tillamook Ice Cream.
Suzi Pratt13/17Did Someone Say Cookies?
Usually found at the Bothell Farmers Market, this mouthwatering spread of cookies from Blue Box Bakery distracted those with a sweet tooth wandering through Kirkland Uncorked. Yes, we tried each one. And yes, they were all delicious.
Suzi Pratt14/17Pure, Green, and Refreshing
Those who were seeking out a lighter, brighter iced tea option were in luck! The organic green tea with hints of Fuji Apple and Ginger from Pure Leaf Tea House Collection was a perfect mix of layered flavor.
Suzi Pratt15/17A Perfect Bowl of Comfort
We don’t like to play favorites, but this bowl of pure awesome from the Kiss My Grits Food Truck at Kirkland Uncorked really stole our hearts. The plump shrimp were sautéed with bacon, mushrooms, garlic, and scallions and then finished with a drizzle of hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon atop creamy buttered grits.
Suzi Pratt16/17We'll Be Cooking and You're Invited
Eating delicious food at a festival is one thing, but learning how to recreate such deliciousness at home? Score. At Kirkland Uncorked, food-savvy guests were treated to a steak and guacamole demo, which celebrated the season's ultimate staples.
Suzi Pratt17/17Savoring the Season—It's Tomato Time
You tomato, and we say, “Yes, please!” There is absolutely nothing on earth that compares to the flavor of a perfectly in season tomato, and Kirkland Uncorked featured many dishes featuring the rainbow-hued fruit.
