Chef KDJ

Summer is the perfect time to get out, explore and experience everything Denver's food scene has to offer. Here are a few ideas to add to your culinary bucket list this season:

✔ Visit a local farmers market and cook with seasonal ingredients
✔ Enjoy dinner on a rooftop patio
✔ Take a cooking class and learn a new skill
✔ Attend a food festival or community event
✔ Try a restaurant you've never visited before
✔ Explore Denver's diverse international cuisine
✔ Pack a gourmet picnic for a day in the mountains
✔ Visit a local brewery, cidery, or winery
✔ Fire up the grill and host a backyard cookout
✔ Share a meal with friends and make new memories

Great food is about more than what is on the plate. It's about the experiences and stories we create along the way.

What is on your Denver culinary bucket list this summer?

Great food isn't about complicated recipes. It's about building flavor.

• Season throughout cooking
• Use fresh herbs
• Balance sweet, salty, acidic, and savory flavors
• Don't rush the browning
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar

What's your favorite ingredient for adding flavor?

🐟 **Seafood Myths: Busted!**

There are a lot of misconceptions about seafood. Let's clear up a few of the most common ones.

❌ Myth #1: Fresh seafood is always better than frozen.
✅ Truth: Much of the seafood sold as "fresh" was previously frozen. High-quality frozen seafood is often frozen right after harvest and can be just as delicious.

❌ Myth #2: Fish should smell fishy.
✅ Truth: Fresh seafood should smell clean and mild, like the ocean. A strong fishy odor is usually a sign it's past its prime.

❌ Myth #3: Seafood is difficult to cook.
✅ Truth: Many seafood dishes come together in 15 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

❌ Myth #4: White fish is bland.
✅ Truth: White fish is incredibly versatile and takes on marinades, herbs, spices, and sauces beautifully.

❌ Myth #5: Seafood is only for special occasions.
✅ Truth: Seafood can be an easy, healthy, and affordable addition to your weekly meal rotation.

The more you learn about seafood, the more confident you'll become in the kitchen.

Cooking tip # 1!

Make sure you know what you are going to need.

Grilled Corn Hacks You Need to Know

Corn on the cob is a summer BBQ favorite, but a few simple tricks can take it from good to unforgettable.

• Soak it first
If grilling in the husk, soak corn in water for 15–30 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent burning and creates steam inside the husk.

• Try it without the husk
For deeper char and smoky flavor, remove the husks and grill directly over medium-high heat.

• Season after grilling
Butter, fresh herbs, lime juice, chili powder, parmesan, or cotija cheese all shine when added while the corn is still hot.

• Don't overcook it
Corn typically needs only 10–15 minutes on the grill. Rotate occasionally for even cooking.

• Think beyond the cob
Cut grilled kernels off and add them to salads, tacos, salsas, risottos, and pasta dishes.

Summer is short. Make every ear of corn count.

What is your favorite way to enjoy grilled corn?

A great BBQ is about more than just firing up the grill. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your summer cookout on point:

1️⃣ Cooking on high heat only
Not everything needs maximum flames. Control your heat for better flavor and texture.

2️⃣ Flipping meat too often
Let it develop that beautiful sear before turning.

3️⃣ Skipping the prep
Prep your ingredients, season ahead and have everything ready before guests arrive.

4️⃣ Forgetting to rest the meat
Cutting too early lets all those flavorful juices escape.

5️⃣ Only focusing on the main dish
Great sides, sauces, and fresh elements take a BBQ from good to unforgettable.

What is your biggest BBQ pet peeve?

Check out this summer dish!

Sweet corn brings natural sweetness, roasted poblano adds smoky depth, and creamy arborio rice ties it all together with salty cotija and fresh cilantro for the perfect finish.

This is the kind of dish that feels elevated enough for guests but comforting enough for a cozy night in.

Who says risotto has to be traditional?
Grab the recipe here: www.chefkdj.com/recipes/corn-and-roasted-poblano-risotto

Hosting a summer event for your team? Let's have some fun!

We make booking as easy as 1, 2, 3...

www.chefkdj.com

Have questions? We've got answers!

From food to motivation to the service industry, we love educating, entertaining and inspiring. Drop your questions below and we will post Chef KDJ's answers!

🥕🌱 **Before You Toss It...** 🌱🥕

Not everything in the “scrap” pile is actually waste.

Many everyday kitchen leftovers can be composted and turned into something useful for the earth instead of ending up in the trash.

✔ Veggie scraps
✔ Fruit peels
✔ Coffee grounds
✔ Tea bags
✔ Eggshells
✔ Herb stems

Do you compost at home?