The NOT-SO-FANCY PERFECT Summer Meal

It was a very nice summer night. My fiancee called me up and asked me what I wanted for dinner.

"Anything" I replied. "I really don't care."

She explained that she wanted to take over dinner and that she had a surprise meal for me. Very excited since my fiancee is a very good cook.

I walked into her apartment with the smell of amazing fresh flavors being cooked. She told me to grab a cocktail, sit down and just relax. I asked her what was for dinner...

"Grilled lemon chicken."

Now keep in mind as she was telling me that this is what we were going to have I was hoping for something a long the lines of lamb chops, or a massive steak. I was not expecting this. That is the one thing about being a food like Mac and I. You want the perfect meal, and when it doesn't deliver, there is a major disappointment. Especially when you are dreaming of something else. This, you will see, wasn't a dissapointment.

I said I couldn't wait, and just went a long as she was planning. I helped her set the table and get everything ready. She told me, "there is one issue. I want you to grill."

I was ecstatic. Nothing makes a man happier than grilling on a summertime night. Especially when the weather is beautiful, it's a Friday, and the drinks are flowing.

She had been marinading the chicken for about 3 hours in fresh squeezed lemon juice, parsley, garlic, and a little salt and pepper.

We took the chicken to the grill, and while the chicken was grilling, I was also taking the lemon slices and grilling them as well. People usually underestimate (or don't eve think about) grilled fruit, and what it can do for a dish, but as you will read in later posts, you will see the grilled fruit, CAN MAKE A DISH AMAZING...you just have to make sure you pick and choose wisely.

We brought the grilled chicken and lemon inside and got it ready for the table. She was also preparing a tomato, onion, and feta orzo to be accompanied by the dish. This was going to be a very refreshing, light dish that was going to be delicious.

The Perfect Summer Meal - it did not disappoint

The chicken was very very tender, very moist and just filled with great strong lemon flavors. We took the grilled lemons, and squeezed the remaining warm juice from the slices, and put it over the chicken and the orzo. The grilled lemon flavors were so sweet and not bitter at all. It had a smokey flavor that really helped bring out the grill flavors of the chicken. The orzo was light, and a perfect side dish to the chicken. The feta, onion and tomato were very strong, and helped with the "lightness" of this dish.

My fiancee also picked out a great wine. She of course bought because of the label (as you will see a lot of people do - and back to that old adage...never judge a book by its cover), because it had lemons on it.

It was good. A very heavy Sauvignon Blanc that was a little too overpowering for the dish. The flavors were very bold and fruity, and had A LOT of grapefruit on it. There were some definate flavors of lemon as well, but nothing that helped the dish. It was a little too creamy for the dish. I would have enjoyed something that had a major bite, and grab the tounge.

A very good wine, perfect for summer

It was a perfect light, meal to a very heavy workload week. We enjoyed each other's company, and enjoyed the coversation. With whatever summer we had here in the Northeast, this dinner was one of the best that we shared.

What is your favorite summertime meal?

Cheers,

Brad