5 Ingredients This Lettuce Chef Can’t Do Without This Summer
Chef-Partner Andrew Ashmore talks his summer favorites
Basking in the sunshine, taking in views of Lake Michigan’s blue water, and manning a smoky grill are some of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants’ Chef Partner Andrew Ashmore’s (Antico Posto, Beatrix, L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge) favorite ways to immerse himself in all that summer has to offer. What else does he love about summertime Chi? Celebrating the season’s bounty of fresh fruits and veggies. Chef Andrew shares his must-have seasonal ingredients and how you can enjoy them at a Lettuce restaurant near you.
Make a reservation at Antico Posto | Order carryout and delivery from Antico Posto
Make a reservation at the Beatrix location nearest you | Order carryout and delivery from the Beatrix location nearest you
Make a reservation at L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge | Order carryout and delivery from L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge
1. Tomatoes
One of Chef Andrew’s favorite scents is tomatoes on the vine, a fragrance that always brings back memories of his mother’s garden. For him, summer and tomatoes are inseparable, which inspires him to incorporate them into his dishes whenever he can. Get a taste of fresh tomatoes in the Baja Chopped Salad at Beatrix or the Angel Hair Pomodoro at Antico Posto.
Check out some of our favorite tomato dishes at Lettuce restaurants near you.
2. Avocado
Whether using it to dip chips or spreading it on toast, avocado is a true summer staple. Chef Andrew considers avocados one of the most versatile ingredients, given their ability to add creamy texture and rich flavor to a variety of dishes. Order the Green Chili and Chicken Enchiladas at Beatrix or the Golden Beet & Avocado Salad at Antico Posto to see what he means.
Explore more favorite salads across Lettuce restaurants.
3. Corn
So simple, yet so delicious! Reminding him of summers in Northern Michigan and a favorite for grilling with his son, Chef Andrew loves finding new ways to add corn to summer dishes. “Two of my favorite dishes that use summer-staple sweet corn in a unique way are the Sweet Corn Tacos with charred poblano, black bean, queso fresco, guacamole and cilantro crema at Beatrix, and the Barbecue Planked Salmon served with buttered sweet corn and duchess potatoes at L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge—totally different, but both very satisfying.”
Check out more delicious corn dishes here.
4. Fresh Herbs
Leafy, bright, fresh herbs can take any dish to the next level. Tending his own herb garden at home, Chef Andrew ensures that his dishes feature just-picked aromatic herbs, naming basil, parsley, and thyme among his favorites. The Strip Steak Chimichurri at Beatrix features freshly made chimichurri on top and herb-tossed fries. At L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge, you can find all the herbaceous flavors in the marinade that comes with the Mahogany Roasted Chicken.
Want to learn more about cooking steak? Check out Lettuce chefs’ expert grilling tips.
5. Strawberries
“My favorite summertime fruit is the strawberry,” Chef Andrew shares. “Even though you can get strawberries at the grocery store year round, they’re never as sweet, vibrant and delicious as they are in the summer. I love combining slowly-cooked strawberries with a bit of lemon juice to make a compote, and then adding in fresh strawberries pieces at the end for texture.” Check them out in Beatrix‘s Greek Yogurt with brûléed banana, strawberry, pecan granola and orange chia honey.
Have a sweet tooth? Discover more of Lettuce’s most delicious desserts.
When incorporating these five ingredients into your meal prep, Chef Andrew recommends that you “keep it simple.” Gorgeous summer produce just needs a few ingredients to shine.
“Season your produce with a little oil, salt and pepper and make sure the grill is very clean and very hot. Resist the urge to move the produce around once it is on the grill and let sit until it lightly caramelizes and chars. Do your best to ensure the produce isn’t too ripe already, as it will soften once it hits the grill.”
The next time you’re strolling through your local farmer’s market (you might spot Chef Andrew at the Logan Square Farmers Market) Chef Andrew recommends getting hands-on when picking out your fruits and vegetables. Don’t be shy! Involve your senses: Pick the produce up, smell it, feel it – if it smells fruity and fragrant, it’s probably in its prime.
Prefer to have Chef Andrew do the cooking for you instead?
Make a reservation at Antico Posto | Order carryout and delivery from Antico Posto
Make a reservation at the Beatrix location nearest you | Order carryout and delivery from the Beatrix location nearest you
Make a reservation at L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge | Order carryout and delivery from L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge
For more on summer ingredients, check out these Chefs’ Favorite Summer Ingredients.
