Monterey Bay’s Freshest Flavors: Seasonal Menus for Your Next Summer Celebration

The sun is shining, the breeze is light, and Monterey Bay is bursting with summer’s finest ingredients. Whether it’s a backyard birthday, a vineyard wedding, or a sunset gathering by the sea, the food served at a summer celebration should be just as vibrant and memorable as the setting.

Coastal Roots Hospitality (Tarpy's, Montrio, Rio Grill and Coastal Roots Events & Catering) brings together over 30 years of culinary excellence and community-rooted service to deliver seasonal catering that speaks to the moment. Every menu is designed with local farms, fisheries, and producers in mind, showcasing the rich flavors and natural bounty of the Central Coast.

Why Seasonal Menus Matter

Peak Flavor, Peak Experience

Summer is when many of California’s best ingredients are at their peak. From sweet heirloom tomatoes and just-picked berries to wild-caught seafood and crisp lettuces, seasonal ingredients simply taste better. Building a menu around what’s fresh allows each dish to shine—and guests notice.

Using ingredients that are in season also supports local growers and reduces the environmental impact of long-haul food sourcing. It’s a delicious way to be sustainable.

A Menu That Matches the Mood

Summer events call for food that’s colorful, fresh, and satisfying without being heavy. Light salads, grilled entrées, chilled seafood, and bright citrusy dressings fit the bill perfectly. When the menu complements the season, the entire event feels more cohesive and thoughtful.

Coastal Roots Events & Catering works with clients to create custom menus that fit their vision, the season, and the style of their event—from laid-back and rustic to elegant and refined.

What’s in Season on the Monterey Peninsula

Monterey County is home to some of the most fertile land in the state, along with a stunning coastline that provides an abundance of fresh seafood. This region’s unique microclimates allow for a variety of ingredients to thrive, especially in summer.

Here are some local summer favorites often featured in our seasonal menus:

1. Produce: Heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, arugula, stone fruit, zucchini, bell peppers, strawberries, watermelon
2. Seafood: Wild salmon, halibut, Dungeness crab, Monterey Bay squid, oysters
3. Herbs: Basil, mint, tarragon, chives, dill
4. Other staples: Local goat cheese, artisan sourdough, farm-raised chicken, Wagyu beef, Central Coast wines

Working with the best of what’s available means every dish tastes like summer.

Seasonal Menu Inspiration for Summer Celebrations

Appetizers That Set the Tone

Start the celebration with small bites that reflect the season and get guests excited for what’s to come. Seasonal appetizers are colorful, refreshing, and easy to enjoy while mingling.

Ideas for summer starters:

1. Grilled peach and burrata crostini with balsamic drizzle
2. Dungeness crab cakes with lemon aioli
3. Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil
4. Chilled cucumber cups filled with smoked salmon and crème fraîche

Fresh and Vibrant Salads

Salads in summer are a great way to showcase local produce and keep the meal light and fresh. A variety of greens, fruits, and housemade dressings add interest and texture to the plate.

Popular summer salad options include:

1. Watermelon, feta, and mint with citrus vinaigrette
2. Baby arugula with strawberries, goat cheese, and candied pecans
3. Heirloom tomato salad with red onions and basil oil
4. Grilled corn and avocado with lime crema

Main Courses That Satisfy Without Weighing You Down

Summer entrées are all about balance—big on flavor, not on heaviness. Grilled meats and seafood, plant-forward dishes, and creative global flavors keep guests coming back for more.

Some seasonal favorites:

1. Grilled Pacific salmon with mango salsa
2. Lemon herb chicken with roasted fingerling potatoes
3. Charred tri-tip with chimichurri
4. Portobello mushroom stacks with quinoa and roasted vegetables

These dishes pair beautifully with a range of wines and mocktails, making them ideal for celebrations of all kinds.

Sides That Steal the Show

Sides don’t have to be an afterthought. In fact, the right seasonal side can bring everything together and add pops of flavor and color.

Standout side dishes:

1. Roasted summer vegetables with sea salt and olive oil
2. Grilled corn on the cob with chili butter and cotija
3. Garlic smashed potatoes with fresh herbs
4. Orzo salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers

Cool Desserts to Finish Strong

Summer desserts should be light, fruity, and refreshing. Think cold, sweet, and just indulgent enough.

Dessert ideas to beat the heat:

1. Mixed berry shortcakes with whipped cream
2. Lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar
3. Gelato cart with seasonal flavors
4. Mini tartlets with peach or apricot filling

Beverage Pairings with a Summer Twist

Every great menu needs a thoughtful drink list. Coastal Roots offers full-service beverage coordination, from wine and beer pairings to signature cocktails and handcrafted mocktails.

Examples of summer drink offerings:

1. Rosé spritzers with fresh herbs
2. Basil lemonade with cucumber ice
3. Local Chardonnay and Pinot Noir selections
4. Sparkling water with citrus wheels and mint

For non-alcoholic gatherings, seasonal mocktails can still add flair and sophistication. A refreshing watermelon and lime cooler or a blueberry basil soda elevates the guest experience without the need for spirits.

Types of Events That Shine with Seasonal Catering

Weddings and Receptions

Seasonal menus lend themselves beautifully to romantic, alfresco weddings. Coastal Roots can create a full-service experience from cocktail hour through dessert, all tailored to your vision and venue.

Milestone Birthdays and Anniversaries

From backyard garden parties to large catered banquets, using local ingredients adds a layer of meaning to a celebration. Guests feel more connected to the meal—and the moment.

Corporate and Nonprofit Gatherings

Seasonal catering works well for business functions and fundraisers, offering sophisticated menus that reflect professionalism and a sense of care. These events often benefit from the versatility and elegance that a summer-inspired spread provides.

Let’s Plan Something Delicious

Seasonal menus bring out the best in Monterey’s culinary offerings—and they make every celebration feel intentional and unforgettable. At Coastal Roots Hospitality, our goal is to help clients celebrate well, with food that reflects the beauty of the season and the spirit of the Central Coast.

With decades of experience and a passion for local flavor, our events and catering team is here to help turn your next summer gathering into something truly special.

Reach out to Coastal Roots Hospitality today to start designing a summer menu that captures the freshest flavors of Monterey Bay. We’re located in Monterey, CA, and ready to help bring your celebration to life.