Summer grilling is just one of the seven wonders of the world. The sun dipping lower on the horizon, the air cooling off from being scorching hot all day, the smell of the grill out on the balcony or sitting out in the backyard. Everything melding together over a few glasses of wine or beer, some great conversation and a few well-chosen appetizers.

I mentioned before that S. and I had my parents over for dinner on father's day recently; honoring both parents with some great barbeque and a rather delicious cake. It was a great time all around -- even my brother came and although he didn't seem too pleased with having to go "out" for dinner he relaxed after a glass of wine and even enjoyed himself.

With the kitchen door open to our balcony, the cool air of the evening floated in around us as we sat and talked, enjoying mixed nuts and some rather good double creme brie. Wine was the choice of beverage for the evening and even my mother, who very rarely drinks anything alcoholic anymore got ever so slightly tipsy on a few wine spritzers I mixed up for her. All in all it was a great evening, full of nice conversation, close family moments and really great food. The strawberry cake for dessert was a show-stopper with perfectly-made coffee and my mom's homemade oatmeal cookies.

Dinner was the perfect dad's day menu: Coffee-Maple-Beer Grilled Chicken (yes, coffee, maple and beer, together...just trust me, please), grilled sausage and potato salad (a scrumptious S. original...recipe to come soon), my mom's deviled eggs, and a nice french baguette. Full tummies sat around our living room for a while after dinner, basking in the comfort and happiness exuding from our pores.

Speaking of barbeque, Too Many Chefs are hosting the next impatiently-awaited IMBB? event - A Griller's Delight. I can't wait. S. and I are even considering doing a dual entry...main course and dessert...we'll see.