CAFE DRAKE'S Guide to Summer (PART I)

We may as well make the most of the heat, humidity and mosquitoes, and as no kitchen has ever been to hot to drive us out, Cafe Drake remains resolute in discovering and savoring the few true pleasures of this most trying of seasons. Follow a few (or all) of our tips below and you'll weather the dog days in style and with great taste(s).

The cinema, with its frigid promise of arctic air conditioning and soothing darkness, was a mainstay for years of heat and sun-stroked city dwellers, but with the current fare geared towards out of school tweens (comic book adaptations, action/adventure drek and juvenile comedies), if you can't find a good repertory or art house theater near you, best off staying cool inside with Netflix. Soak up the Acapulco sun from your softly-lit, climate controlled living room with Love Has Many Faces (1965), a sinisterly-themed soap starring Lana Turner and Cliff Robertson, both upstaged slightly by Hollywood Regency set dressing chic enough to hurt. A Summer Place (1960) may be obvious - and Troy Donahue's acting appalling, but it fits the theme and we dare you not to hum the soundtrack for days after. For those who can't be bothered with the ferry or overcrowded shares and tacky bars, visit Fire Island via Frank Perry's neglected summer psychological noir, Last Summer (1970). It's only available on VHS (and pricey at that) so hit the last Mom and Pop vid shop you can find to score a rental. Summer always reminds Cafe Drake of hazy late nights as a child at the local Jesse James Drive-In, so 70s schlock abounds here during the hot months: two drive-in classics recently restored on DVD include Axe (1972) and DeathBed (1973). Neither will provide the craved chills but both are shining examples of the decade when exploitation films dreamed of higher aspirations.

In the upcoming Part II of our Summer Guide, we'll be recommending some books - light and dark - for the sand dunes and picnics and also those nights of violent thunderstorms. For now, peruse our recipes below, each selected for warm weather dining and lighter appetites.

CHINOOK SALAD

From a land that doesn't experience Summer, as such, hails this Canadian main course salad. Excellent with crusty French or Italian bread and a crisp Chardonnay.

1 head lettuce, torn into pieces / ½ cup diced cooked beets / 1 large piece poached salmon, cooled and chopped / 3 T. olive oil / 1 T. tarragon vinegar / salt and pepper / 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped fine

1. Place cleaned lettuce in a large serving bowl, along with beets and salmon.


2. Blend oil, vinegar and eggs until well combined. Add to bowl and toss.


3. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes then season with salt and pepper.

FETA CHEESE PIE

Bake this in the morning, then serve cold or at room temperature for a
lunch or dinner entree. At Cafe Drake we place a wedge on plates garnished
with marinated cucumbers, sliced tomatoes and Kalamata olives.

1 frozen deep dish pie shell / 1 medium onion, sliced / 2 garlic cloves, chopped / 1 cup crumbled feta cheese / 2 t. chopped dill / 4-5 chopped sun-dried tomatoes / 1 t. black pepper / 1 egg, beaten / 1 cup milk

1. Saute the onion and garlic in the butter for 2 or 3 minutes. Place in bottom
   of pie shell.


2. Add the feta next, sprinkle on the dill and tomatoes and black pepper, then pour over all the egg and milk.


3. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, not longer.

RUSSIAN POMEGRANATE SORBET

One can eliminate the vodka completely from the recipe below, but it is
ill advised by Cafe Drake.This sorbet will work equally well as a light
dessert or mid-dinner palate cleanser.

3 cups pomegranate juice / ¾ cup sugar / juice of ½ lime / ½ cup vodka

1. Place the juice in a saucepan and bring to a near boil. Add sugar and stir
   quickly until it has dissolved.


2. Remove from heat and cool, preferably over-night in the refrigerator.


3. Add the lime juice and vodka to the chilled juice and freeze according to
   your machine's instructions.