Glam Slam: So Long Summer Soiree

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Ain’t no party like a summertime pool party!

FIRST PUBLISHED: August 30, 2012 12:00 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Summer is winding down and there’s one last chance to celebrate this Labor Day weekend. So throw on your white jeans or cute sundress and check out these suggestions to get your party going.

NIBBLES:
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have already been spotted at the new Duplex on Third Street in Los Angeles and Chef Lauren Cartmel shares her recipe for this fresh, light, summery appetizer.

Watermelon & Heirloom Tomatoes with Marinated Feta
(Serves 4)

2 cups water melon cut into large cubes
Large heirloom tomatoes sliced crosswise 1/4” thick
3 cups wild arugula
1/2 tsp red chile flakes
1 tsp lemon zest
1 cup feta broken into 1/2” pieces
White balsamic vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil * Chef Lauren likes Malibu olive oil company
Salt and fresh cracked black pepper

- Take feta place in a small shallow bowl and cover with olive oil then add the chile and lemon zest allow to marinate for 2 hours or overnight.

- On a large platter place tomato slices down as one layer then sprinkle watermelon over top and then top with the feta cheese.

- In a medium size mixing bowl add 2 tbsp white balsamic then add 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste.

- Toss the salad then place arugula over cheese, watermelon and tomatoes (make sure you can see the ingredients, the arugula is just a garnish on top).

- Drizzle with more olive oil and serve with toasted baguette.

SUMMERY SIPS:
Chef Tim Goodell from Public Kitchen & Bar in Hollywood’s Roosevelt Hotel (click here for info) suggests this party perfect drink.

The Slap Happy
Chill a martini glass
Rinse the chilled glass with a dash of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

In a shaker can…
2 oz. Bulleit Rye or other great Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz. Sweet Vermouth
1/2 oz. Dry Vermouth
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1-1/4 oz. agave syrup
1/4 oz. egg whites
Add ice and shake vigorously..
Strain into chilled glass
Take basil leaf and slap between hands to awaken natural oils Garnish glass with basil leaf - serve immediately.

PARTY PLAYLIST:
DJ Hapa of the Scratch DJ Academy LA (www.scratch.com), formerly of the hit group Far East Movement, reveals his ultimate songs of summer playlist.

David Guetta featuring Sia - “Titanium”
This track is on dance floors all over the world.

Foster the People - “Call It What You Want” (Treasure Fingers Remix)
Great “Feel Good” record and with Treasure Fingers’ touch on the remix…amazing.

Avicii – “Two Million”
Avicii is one of the hottest breakout EDM stars of 2012 and this song is just starting to bubble up on the mainstream side.

Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz & Kanye West - “Mercy” (RL Grime and Salva Remix)
“Oh oh oh oh oh OK.”

Matisyahu - “Sunshine”
Feel like this track was slept on a little bit, but to me it SCREAMS Summer 2012.

Neon Trees - “Everybody Talks”
Another feel good record that reminds me of the daytime, poolside parties.

Ellie Goulding – “Lights” (Bassnectar Remix)
This track has been burning up blogs for a while, but finally broke through this year and was seeing this music video EVERYWHERE. I personally still dig Bassnectar’s treatment of this out of all of the remixes out there.

Coldplay – “UFO” (Keljet’s Hawaiian Remix)
The acoustic guitar laid over the sound of the seaside instantly puts my mind on a beach…preferably somewhere down in Hanalei.

THROWBACK:
Ice Cube – “It Was a Good Day”
Classic! This is the track you are playing in your car as you are driving down the 405, as the sun is setting…

-- Ryan Patterson

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