Nautical Dinner Party Menu

The inspiration for creating a menu for the nautical dinner party should come from the sea. Fish and shellfish should be the highlight of your menu, but it should always be tailored to reflect what seafood is freshest and in season during your party. For summer, here is a suggested menu that is bound to please the palate. Pair with a nice white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Reisling:

Nautical Dinner Party Menu:

Appetizer

Oysters with Champagne-Vinegar Mignonette


First Course

Summer Salad (artisanal baby lettuce, mini heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese and finely chopped shallots tossed with a sherry vinaigrette)


Main Course

Maine lobster tail
Cream corn (alternately, corn on the cob)
Garlic bread

Dessert

Berry tart with vanilla bean whipped cream

Note: If you choose to serve lobster, crab, mussels or clams as part of your menu, put out small galvanized tin pails for guests to use for discarding the shells. It's a neat nautical touch that adds to the party's ambiance.