Summer is here, which means now is the time to start planning fabulous gatherings.  For many summertime party hosts, the organization of their event includes the preparation of hors d'oeuvres. Spike Mendelsohn, a contestant on the most recent season of Bravo's popular Top Chef, offers two recipes guaranteed to entice even the most discerning palate.  The recipes can easily be created by home cooks with varying levels of gastronomic experience.The Summertime Greek Puff Pastry is a delicate and flavorsome tart prepared with only four ingredients.  For the 'chef' who is up for a challenge, The Tamarind Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewers combine unique elements to create a flavorful mélange.

Read on for the detailed recipes...  

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Seafarers would call out with glee when land appearing on the horizon marked the end of an arduous voyage, and possibly signified the beginning of a new life.  A look at the positioning of this luxury real estate in Manalapan Beach, Florida could inspire anyone to dream of their ideal waterfront lifestyle. 

The amazing plot in Florida's Gold Coast encompasses over five-and-a-half acres with approximately 500 feet of frontage on both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.  Private beach and dockage possibilities add to the appeal of the perfect spot for the ultimate Florida luxury home or homes.  This slice of South Florida waterfront paradise is listed by Premier Estate Properties, Inc. for $42,900,000.

Foie Gras is a French delicacy that has been used as an ingredient by some of the most accomplished chefs around the world for ages. As one of the most well-known culinary indulgences, it also has been the center of much controversy. Technically the liver of a duck or a goose that has been fattened through force feedings, its delicate and buttery flavor make it a popular ingredient in both hot and cold dishes - often flavored with rich truffles and liquors and served with a crisp brioche or baguette.    In 2006, Chicago, IL instated a ban making it illegal to serve Foie Gras. Recently the ban was lifted, and foodies are once again able to treat their palettes to this lavish dish at restaurants throughout the city.  I sampled it on one occasion, but at the time wasn't familiar with its background.  It definitely was unique, but the next time I dine out it probably won't be the first thing that comes to mind when ordering.

Now that summer has officially arrived, I have been looking for exterior furnishing to spruce up my backyard. The Porter Garden Telescope certainly surpasses any outdoor "accessory" I have ever encountered. Originally designed in the 1920's, the talented and dedicated team at Telescopes of Vermont has passionately worked to recreate this stunning masterpiece. The spectacular instrument stands 35" high with individually cast, hand finished bronze and stands on a classic pedestal of Vermont Danby marble. While the telescope is clearly a work of art, it was also created to allow the owner a great amount of flexibility. The telescope sustains all types of weather and can be left outdoors all year long, it can easily be removed from the pedestal and housed elsewhere and Telescopes of Vermont will personally work with your architect or designer to create custom landscaping and installation solutions. In addition to its aesthetic beauty, the telescope also embodies suburb scientific elements. With 21st century optics – designed by military satellite optical engineers - it can be used during the day and night. Weather you reside in high-rise penthouse or a country estate, the Porter Garden Telescope will transport you to 'places' you never imagined and is truly a luxurious piece that any affluent homeowner would be overjoyed to own.

Father's Day is about a week away, and if you're anything like me you are on the hunt for a perfect gift.  Every year, I struggle to locate the perfect token of appreciation for my wonderful father. I recently ran across the lavish Clive Christian Traveler Set. I think it fits the 'perfect father's day gift' criteria to a tee.  Sets are always nice - usually you get the "best of" products assembled in some type of luxurious packaging.  This set is no exception.  It includes three 0.3 ounce fragrances – No. 1 Pure Perfume, 1872 Pure Perfume and X Pure Perfume. The sophisticated woodsy fragrances combined with hints of warm amber and brisk cedarwood are presented in a decadently sleek black box, which is embossed with the Clive Christian signature crown and lined with satin. It is classic and the ideal gift for any dad who enjoys the finer things in life.

Throughout my (low-stakes) poker life I've enjoyed playing both online and live games.  While online poker has the benefits of being able to connect to a game from anywhere and automatic chip counting, it pales in comparison to the feeling of a live game where chips are stacked in front of you, the cards slide through your fingers, and you're visually sizing up your competitors.  Poker purists may take issue with the X10 Ten Player Automated Table, which infuses live poker with some of the "convenience" of an online game.  There is a 27-inch display at the center of the table that keeps track of the action, while 12.1-inch screens lay in front of each player.  After virtual cards are distributed by a virtual dealer, players reveal the cards to themselves by touching their screen.

I suppose, at the very least, having one of these $30,000 machines in your basement will prevent one of your poker buddies from misdealing or shorting the pot, but is it worth the atmospheric sacrifices?