Chef Martha K

My journey continues—making the most of every opportunity to turn time with family and friends into memorable experiences. Holidays or not, there’s always a reason to gather, laugh, and celebrate. And please—don’t save the good silverware for “special occasions.” Every moment shared with loved ones is special enough.

This Father’s Day, I wanted our guests—family and friends—to feel the ocean breeze, soak up the sun, and enjoy a feast with a view. I brought my kitchen to the water under a nautical theme, and let me tell you…it wasn’t easy. Packing everything to preserve the quality during transport took some serious planning. Thankfully, it was a true team effort!

Our main dish followed a beloved family recipe from my husband’s side: the legendary Tia Arminda’s chicken pie. Made entirely from scratch—it’s six hours of committed culinary love. My son contributed by preparing the garden sauce with 14 fresh ingredients—it was absolutely delicious! My dear friend Gloria, with her unmatched chicken-shredding skills, handled that part beautifully.

For appetizers, I visited a charming French bakery for fresh olive bread, baguettes, terrines, foie gras, and a variety of cheeses. I added chilled prawns with cocktail sauce, a refreshing tabbouleh, homemade hummus, and warm pita bread.

Dessert was crafted by my talented sister-in-law Karina, a pastry chef I highly recommend if you love not super sweet cakes made with fresh ingredients. She brought an assortment of mini carrot and pecan pie, all artfully decorated.

Please remember to take a moment to thoughtfully set your table. It’s the stage for the meal and brings your theme and dishes to life.

We talked, laughed, swam, danced, and most importantly—celebrated our dads in a truly unforgettable way.

So here’s my reminder: don’t wait for a calendar event to make a day meaningful. Create beauty in the ordinary. Fill your life with good food, laughter, love, and people who bring out the best in you. Celebrate life—now.