Sizzling Summer: A First Look at Our New Seasonal Menu

We understand that when the sun finally decides to grace us here in the Pacific Northwest, the last thing you want to do is spend your entire afternoon hovering over a hot stove or stressing about what to serve at your next gathering. We know that summer planning can sometimes feel like a second job, with guesswork about portions and the worry of hidden catering fees looming over your beautiful garden party.

We're happy to say that at Anita & Joe's, we’ve been hard at work in the kitchen to take that weight off your shoulders. We love to create experiences that feel less like a "service" and more like a family reunion. Our new summer menu is officially here, and it’s a love letter to the deep South flavors we grew up with, paired perfectly with the incredible seasonal produce we find right here in our local markets.

We've designed this menu to be a guide for your summer celebrations, whether you're looking for a personal chef for an intimate dinner or full-scale catering for the event of your dreams. Let’s take a look at what we’re cooking up for you this season!

The Star of the Show: Smoked & Fried Ribs

We’re starting things off with a dish that truly captures our passion for traditional techniques with a creative twist. Our Smoked & Fried Ribs are not your average backyard BBQ fare. We take the time to smoke these ribs low and slow for four hours until they are perfectly tender and infused with that deep, woody aroma.

But we don't stop there! We finish them "chicken steak style." We understand if that sounds a bit unusual, so we’re happy to explain the "why" behind it. After smoking, we dredge each rib in a seasoned flour and buttermilk batter: just like you’d do for a classic Southern chicken-fried steak: and flash-fry them to a golden crisp.

The result? You get that initial crunch of a perfectly seasoned crust followed by the succulent, smoky pork that melts in your mouth. It’s the ultimate "elevated comfort" food that we know your guests will be talking about for weeks. We love to see the look on people's faces when they take that first bite!

A Bright Kick: Pikliz & Smoked Chicken Sandwich

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When we think of summer, we think of bright, acidic flavors that cut through the richness of smoked meats. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our Pikliz & Smoked Chicken Sandwich.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying Pikliz before, it’s a traditional Haitian condiment that we’ve absolutely fallen in love with. It’s a fiery, vinegary slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers. We use it to top our slow-smoked, pulled chicken on a soft toasted bun.

We understand that "spicy" can be a bit intimidating for some, but we’re happy to adjust the heat to meet you where you’re at! The acidity of the Pikliz perfectly balances the savory smoke of the chicken, making it a refreshing yet filling option for a summer lunch or a casual evening event. We’re all about partnership, so if you want it extra spicy or just a little bit zippy, just let us know!

The Garden’s Best: Grilled Okra and Cold Smoked Corn Succotash

We believe that the sides should never be an afterthought. For our summer menu, we wanted to pay homage to the classic Southern succotash while highlighting the incredible corn and okra we find at our favorite local markets.

Our Grilled Okra and Cold Smoked Corn Succotash is a vibrant celebration of the season. We grill the okra whole to get those beautiful char marks and a slight crunch, which completely changes the texture for those who might be wary of "slimy" okra. Then, we add cold-smoked corn.

Cold smoking allows us to infuse the corn kernels with a subtle smokiness without actually cooking them, so they stay sweet and "pop" in your mouth. We mix it all together with lima beans, bell peppers, and fresh herbs. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, and it’s the perfect companion to any of our smoked meats.

From the Water: Smoked Mackerel with Cowboy Candy

We love to bring a little bit of the PNW's amazing seafood into our Southern repertoire. Our Smoked Mackerel is flaked and tender, offering a richer flavor than your standard white fish. But the real magic happens when we top it with our homemade "Cowboy Candy."

What is Cowboy Candy? We're happy to tell you! These are jalapeños that have been simmered in a sweet, spiced vinegar syrup until they become almost like candy. They have a sticky, sweet exterior with a slow-burn kick that pairs beautifully with the oily, smoky mackerel.

It’s a sophisticated bite that works wonderfully as a starter or part of a larger catering spread. We’ve found that even people who "don't like fish" find themselves coming back for seconds when Cowboy Candy is involved!

Modern Southern Starters: Tomato Tartar & Sunflower Seed Focaccia

We understand that sometimes you want something light and elegant to start the meal. Our Tomato Tartar is our Southern answer to the classic beef tartare. We use incredibly ripe, local red tomatoes diced small and toss them with our own pickled green tomatoes for a hit of tang and texture.

To go along with it, we’re serving our Sunflower Seed Focaccia. While focaccia might feel more Italian than Southern, we’ve "Southern-ized" it by adding toasted sunflower seeds for an earthy crunch and a touch of honey in the dough for a subtle sweetness.

We love to use this bread as a vessel for the tartar, but it’s also fantastic on its own with a little bit of salted butter. It’s another example of how we work to blend our heritage with the ingredients available in our beautiful Washington home.

We’re Here to Make it Easy for You!

We know that hosting can be stressful. You worry about whether there will be enough food, if the dietary restrictions will be met, or if there are going to be "surprise" costs at the end of the night. At Anita & Joe's, we want to reduce that anxiety completely.

When you work with us, we are transparent from the very beginning. No hidden charges, no guesswork. We meet you where you are at: whether that’s in your own kitchen for a personal chef experience or at a venue for a hundred people. We are your guides through the planning process, and we’re happy to customize every detail to ensure you have the culinary experience you've been dreaming of.

We’re more than just a catering service; we’re a team that’s passionate about bringing joy through food, honoring the memory of Anita and Joseph Malone with every dish we serve. We want you to be a guest at your own party!

Let’s Plan Your Summer Celebration!

Are you ready to bring these sizzling summer flavors to your next event? We’re currently booking for the summer season and would love to chat about how we can make your gathering special.

Don't wait until the calendar is full: let’s start collaborating today! Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, we’re ready to cook up something spectacular for you.

Contact us today to book your summer event!