Starter
Chilled Carrot Soup with Garden Herbs
This lovely summer soup has a rich, smooth texture even though it contains no cream. For a picnic, bring the cold soup in a thermos and the chives in a plastic bag, and then serve in sturdy ceramic bowls.
Jerusalem Artichoke Soup
This soup is very thick; it can be thinned with additional chicken broth, if desired.
Crunchy Fried Shrimp with Cayenne Aïoli
This starter gets a double dose of cayenne — in the cornmeal coating for the shrimp and in the garlicky mayonnaise dip.
Smoked Salmon with Sour Cream-Caper Sauce
A simple but elegant cold dish. The sauce can be made a day in advance.
Shaved Fennel, Artichoke, and Parmesan Salad
The method of preparing this salad — paper-thin shavings of vegetables, usually raw, tossed together and lightly dressed just before serving — has become a regular theme on the restaurant's menus. The variations are extensive (peppers, celery, and radishes are often added) and always fresh and satisfying.
Note: Slices of very fresh, raw cepes (porcini, or Boletus edulis) are superb in this salad. Another autumnal variation on this salad theme is to dress the shavings of fennel with lemon and olive oil and top with shavings of fuyu persimmon accented with a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
By Alice Waters
Smoked Trout Rillettes
This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional sitting time.
Blue Cheese and Pecan Crackers
Like savory shortbread, these are wonderful when paired with wine, salads or soups.
By Judy Harmon, Norcross , and Georgia