Summer Food Favorites from the Pulse Staff

There’s an abundance of deliciousness this time of year in Door County, and this week I’m highlighting the variety of favorite summer foods that the staff here at the Peninsula Pulse enjoys. With 24 full-time employees, all of whom reside in the county, our staff members were bound to be able to share reliable summer-dining inspirations. Here’s what I heard in response to, “What is your favorite summertime food?”

“Either the Classico from Taco Cerveza or a cheeseburger from Not Licked Yet. Those are my go-to foods this time of year. Plus nothing says summer like a walk-up dining experience.” — Andrew Kleidon-Linstrom, editor and videographer, Peninsula Filmworks

“Fresh berries, grilled corn-on-the-cob and chicken! Throw some asparagus on for good measure, and that’s a summer meal that can’t be beat.” — Kait Shanks, inside sales and assistant office manager

“Jalapeño egg from the Blue Horse: Spice from the pickled jalapeño and special sauce has made this my breakfast-sandwich go-to for almost (gulp) 20 years. Kouign amann from Base Camp: This sugar-laden, caramelized pastry is addicting, and Joel makes the best I’ve had around here. Seaside Negroni from Waterfront: A twist on one of my favorite drinks. A little grapefruit makes a deep-winter staple a refreshing summer sipper.” — Myles Dannhausen Jr., content editor 

“Mmmmm … bratwurst!” — Chris Eckland, distribution expert

“Caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes and basil from the garden is a simple combination, but it captures the flavor of peak Door County summer and is really easy to whip up for a picnic or potluck. A Friday-night fish fry – it’s my favorite night to go out for dinner in the county. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a light beer for a guaranteed good time. And grilled pork tenderloin: one of the easiest dishes to feed a party while not breaking the bank. Tenderloins are pretty simple to cook and are great for the grill. Simply bringing the steak to temperature and cutting it into medallions can feed a group of six or more. I recommend buying from a Door County farm; it just feels right to know you’re sharing the best-quality product with your friends.” — Sam Kersebet, editor and videographer, Peninsula Filmworks

“I’m going to go with watermelon as the best food to eat on a hot summer day.” — Mike Grozis, distribution expert

“One of my very favorite summer dishes is the halibut cheeks from Harbor Fish Market and Grille. I’m usually not a huge fish gal, but the halibut doesn’t taste fishy, and although it’s served over pasta, the sun-dried-tomato cream sauce feels light and summery. Of course, I love to pair it with cherry pie à la mode for dessert.” — Maddy Schierl, entertainment and outdoor intern

“Topping my family’s list of summer favorites are pies from Lautenbach’s Orchard Country. They’ve been a picnic staple for us for years, with apple eventually nudging out cherry, and now the fruit-of-the-forest variety has been declared the new favorite. What you get at the popular Malibu Moo’s – especially anything with chocolate – is worth the wait in line.” — Paula Apfelbach, copy editor

“Simply, the bounty of summer farmers’ market goodies: vegetables, root vegetables, fruits, lettuce. So versatile to do what you want with them – endless possibilities. And you can can or ferment for the cooler days ahead. Berry crisp with seasonal fruit – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, of course cherries. Savory sunshine in a cup, but also “good” for you: fruit and oats. Maybe a couple spoons of vanilla ice cream. Oh, yeah.” — Ryan Miller, creative director

“Summer food for me is all garden-fresh. I am all about the tomatoes and basil: caprese salad is my favorite. Fresh raspberries and garlic scapes are a delicacy – a once-a-year treat. I love making garlic-scape pesto and putting it on everything!” — Jess Farley, sales manager

“My tastes don’t really change with the seasons, but I do look forward to summer watermelon for eating and juicing.” — Jim Lundstrom, editor

“Parador’s sangria and patatas bravas are something I look forward to every summer at the seasonal, Spain-inspired spot in Egg Harbor. Then there are the ‘vacation drinks’ at Rowley’s Pub. Combined with the pristine bay view and off-the-beaten-path location, you might believe you’re on a tropical island.” — Aleah Kidd, lifestyle editor

“My favorite summertime foods are grilled corn-on-the-cob and grilled hamburgers.” — Todd Jahnke, distribution expert 

“Fresh cucumbers: this is the first year I’ve grown them, and it’s amazing the taste of fresh cucumbers. Regardless of what family outing that you have in the summer, someone brings a cucumber salad, and it’s so good! Rhubarb, strawberry or raspberry desserts: June and July are the best times to get the berry and rhubarb desserts. I recently had a custard, rhubarb and raspberry dessert – it was the best. Chicken booyah at Belgian Days in July: every year my family looks forward to the Belgian Days’ chicken booyah. It’s simply is the best version of it that we’ve ever had.” — Renee Puccini, artistic consultant