Cooking with Carafoli: A Summer Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner

When you are creating a summer occasion for your family and friends, let your individuality shine through in every detail: the food, the table setting, and the ambiance should all reflect your creativity and taste. It is easier than you think. My ideas for this particular occasion started while I was looking around my home. I have quite a few treasures, many with fond memories and lots related to my history, travel, and nostalgia: a vintage tablecloth I purchased at a flea market in Bologna, Italy; a platter I inherited from my grandmother; vintage French pewter plates given to me by my dear friend Sally Darr who was chef-owner with her husband of the French restaurant La Tulipe in New York City. Also, stem champagne glasses she gave as a wedding gift. A personalized hand-painted pottery bowl made by my creative friend Frederique, owner of Voila in Yarmouth Port. There are a lot of fond memories behind the items I cherish in my home as I create this menu.