It’s the time of year when patios rule. When backyards shift lazily from kitchen, to dining room, to den, even to games room, and back. The backyard is a key component of successful summer entertaining, but it’s not the only factor to throwing a perfect summer party. Sharp spoke to master entertainer—and culinary genius—Claudio Aprile, about the secret to a perfect warm weather gathering. Rule number one: Relax.
Aprile, the gastronomical force behind two of Toronto’s best restaurants—Colborne Lane and Origin (one of Sharp’s “Best New Restaurants” last year)—isn’t a fan of Caesar salads. At least not when he’s entertaining. “You typically won’t find Caesar salads in my home unless you’re my guest and you bring one,” he explains. “In the summer, I like to keep it light. Food should not be incidental, but it should be the kind of food that energizes you, but doesn’t weigh you down. Things like seafood, different ceviches, things that are in their natural state.”
But in throwing the most memorable backyard BBQ, what you prepare your guests is less important than why. Let Aprile explain:
“Find out more about what resonates with the company you keep. Find out what types of dishes they may have enjoyed as kids, and prepare one of those dishes. Just cooking food, and inviting people over doesn’t make one a good host. It’s about engaging them, and disarming any of their preconceptions. Create something that will illustrate to them that you care about them,” he says.
Read more of Aprile’s wisdom, plus everything else you need to know to throw the perfect summer soiree in Sharp and at Sharpformen.com. Go there now.
