A thoughtful shoulder season soirée, presented by local culinary creator Anna Rossi, delights all the senses.

As the summer winds to a close, a sense of nostalgia takes hold, prompting a review of what the busy season may have missed on your checklist. Between the endless details in getting kids back to school, the cleaning and organizing after several weekends of guests, and the shortening of days and the cooling of evening breezes—suddenly consideration of one last toast with close friends and a great menu allows for some intimate indulgence.

With a warm embrace of the Second Summer we all love so much, Anna and AJ Rossi collected some of their favorite recipes that celebrate the bounty of the sea. With her husband AJ serving as sous-chef and Chief Shucker, they sourced the finest local ingredients available, and through her unique ability to keep the flavor profiles focused on the quality of simple pairings, created a menu that will remain in the memories and palates of her guests for a very long time.

Baked Clams Oreganata

sour dough, garden herbs, lemon

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New England Lazy Lady’s Lobster

bourbon, tarragon

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Seven courses, plus two delicious, passed nibbles and one signature sip, made up the intriguing menu the Rossis titled “Turning Tide.” Local purveyors sourced their finest stock to provide ingredients at their peak for the Rossi’s deft interpretation—making for an unparalleled culinary experience.

The setting, provided by generous hosts, Jen and Mark Curley featured Osterville Harbor as it bustled with late summer boaters seeking one last adventure. As the sun dipped, the candle and fire pit flames fluttered in the breeze off the docks, and the sound of laughter and sentiment settled into the closely-knit party of eight lifelong friends. 

Sea Urchin Pasta

chiatarra, lime, soy

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Anna is an Emmy Award-winning Lifestyle Host and TV Personality. She brings an authentic connection to food, travel, and the art of gathering as a culinary leader, food writer, recipe developer, brand ambassador, and spokesperson. Her culinary and TV journey began when she competed alongside her husband, AJ, on MasterChef USA. She has since become a celebrated home cook, developing original recipes and hosting cooking shows featured nationwide.

Anna and her family have a strong connection to and love for Cape Cod spending much of the summer in Osterville. A special thanks to Anna and AJ for the incredible feast they created to celebrate the flavors of Cape Cod’s “Local Summer.”

Smoked Bluefish & Cucumber

dill, peppercorn

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Turning Tide Fuzz

blackberry, Pimm's

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Scallop Crudo

anchovy, citrus

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Roasted Oysters

chorizo, scallion butter

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Roasted Halibut

tomato butter, thyme

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Charred Corn Succatash

smoked bacon, Bartlett veggies

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Brambleberry Pavlova

cardamom, house whipped cream

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For more recipes, visit capecodlife.com/recipes.

Julie Craven Wagner is the publisher at Cape Cod Life Publications and the editor of Cape Cod HOME.