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(ARA) As the summer sun warms the air, it’s time to dust off your picnic basket, clean the grill, dig out your beach towels and get ready for outdoor entertaining. Whether hosting or attending an event, we have some recommendations to spice up the season. All our suggestions are complemented by Luna di Luna, a brand of wine blends in colorful bottles that are full of flavor and sure to attract attention at any event. The blends, with a selection of three whites, three reds and a sparkling, suit a variety of tastes and are ideal for everyday enjoyment or special occasions. Plus at a value price, they’re an excellent choice for outdoor socializing.
Shady Parks and Beach Picnics
What could be better on a beautiful sunny day than an intimate picnic? Whether at the park, the beach or under a favorite shade tree, picnics are a summer staple. Fill your basket with roasted or fried chicken, potato salad, slices of juicy melon and strawberries. Or stray from the every-day and try a spinach salad with dried cranberries, toasted pine nuts, crumbled goat cheese and crushed black pepper, drizzled with olive oil or a raspberry vinaigrette. Add the finishing touch with a bottle of Luna di Luna’s original Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio blend in its ocean-blue bottle. The combination of grapes produces a clean, crisp blend that satisfies everyone’s white wine tastes.
Remember to pack a corkscrew, wine glasses, utensils, a blanket or tablecloth, sunscreen and of course avoid all ant hills.
Backyard Barbecues
Fire up the barbecue and delight your family and friends with the tantalizing aromas of American standards like hamburgers and hot dogs, or try something a little more adventurous like Pacific Barbecued Ribs. Pre-cook the ribs in boiling water with cloves, onions and herbs, then simmer for 45 minutes or until the meat is tender. After draining the ribs, smother them in a barbecue marinade made with teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, honey and minced garlic before grilling. Be sure to frequently brush on additional sauce while the ribs are cooking.
Additionally, wrap some veggies in foil and place them on the perimeter of the grill. Vidalia onions with a dollop of butter seasoned with salt and pepper make a delicious change from your typical grilled vegetables. Toast the chef with Luna di Luna’s sizzling-orange bottled Shiraz/Merlot blend. Overflowing with flavors of red cherry and plums it beautifully complements the smoky tastes of the ribs, steak or burgers.
Seafood Fests
Ideal for the summer, fresh seafood is now abundant from all over the globe. Whether it’s steamed shrimp and crabs smothered in Old Bay seasoning or swordfish and tuna steaks, impress your friends with something special. Try a Key West-style marinade for mahi-mahi, shrimp or grouper by combining margarita mix with sea salt, ground pepper, chopped cilantro, a diced clove of garlic and a few drops of olive oil. Cook the seafood on a clean grill over a medium flame. To avoid overpowering the taste of your seafood, serve a light and fruity wine such as Luna di Luna’s Chardonnay/Sauvignon. Presented in an emerald-green bottle, the wine’s hints of melon, green apple and tropical fruit complement any seafood.
Finally, bear in mind these are just a few ideas to make the most of the season. Whether it’s tiki torches on the patio or a glass of wine with friends, make any event truly memorable by making it your own -- even if that means buying appetizer samplers or serving your mom’s famous meatloaf!
Courtesy of ARA Content
