Bay Window Magazine | September 2020 | Page 14

[ NBCC DINING ] Cinematic Cookout WITH PLENTY OF CAMPFIRE-THEMED BITES TO ENJOY ON THE DECK AND A FILM TO FOLLOW IT UP, THE POOLSIDE CAMP COOKOUT & MOVIE IS THE PERFECT WAY TO END A ONE-OF-A-KIND SUMMER. BY ASHLEY RYAN Camping trips with swimming, roasted s’mores over a fire and evenings under the stars are a quintessential summertime activity for many. But with the state of things this year, escaping Orange County for a few days is easier said than done. That’s why Newport Beach Country Club is bringing the camp cookout to you. Continuing the family series that launched in mid-August, the club is offering its Poolside Camp Cookout & Movie on Sept. 4 and Sept. 11. One crucial component of the event is its handcrafted menu, which was dreamt up by the NBCC culinary team. The dinner on the pool deck starts at 5 p.m., with an incredible menu of festive favorites. Kobe beef burgers with deluxe toppings and baconwrapped hot dogs will serve as main courses, alongside chicken and waffles with maple syrup. These hearty dishes aren’t where the campout cookout ends though. In addition to the entrees, guests can enjoy a number of savory sides, including four-cheese macaroni and cheese, shoestring fries, spicy campfire beans and jalapeño-cheddar biscuits. Get some added vitamins in with fruit and veggie options like buttered whole cobs of corn and melon ball Mason jars. For dessert, of course, they opted for sweet treats with classic inspirations. While decadent brownies and blondies—the chocolate sweet’s vanilla counterpart—will be available, there will also be an interactive s’mores station so that families can indulge in the ultimate campout treat. If that isn’t enough to sway you to attend, adults can also take part in their own chocolatey concoction: A s’mores martini will be served as the event’s signature Campfire Cocktail (recipe follows). After dinner has ended, the kids can jump in the pool and grab a floatie to enjoy a dive-in Disney movie. The focus of the event is to create a fun, safe oasis that is the ideal place to say goodbye to summertime before heading into fall. It’s a great way for parents to gather together with their kids and enjoy dinner and movie in the Great Outdoors. While it may not be along the California coastline or under towering redwood trees, this campfire cookout is sure to provide memories for years to come. RECIPE Campfire Cocktail: S’mores Martini Servings: 1 6 ounces chocolate liqueur 6 ounces crème de cacao 3 ounces vanilla vodka Ice 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 graham cracker, crushed 2 marshmallows Add chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao and vanilla vodka to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until cold, then set shaker aside. Microwave chocolate chips on high for 20 seconds (or until melted). Stir to combine and pour onto a shallow plate. Crush graham crackers and place on another shallow plate. Dip the rim of the glass in chocolate, then in graham cracker crumbs to coat. Drizzle excess chocolate in a circular motion inside the glass. Place marshmallows on small skewer, then roast over an open flame. Pour mixture from shaker into the glass, then place marshmallow skewer atop. Serve and enjoy. WOLLERTZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM 12 BAY WINDOW