Ep 9. Surprise Beach Party

In the ninth episode of season 2 of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Surprise Beach Party," Ina Garten is preparing for a surprise party on the beach for a friend's significant birthday celebration. Ina starts the party prep the day before by making her signature Beach BBQ sauce, which includes honey, mustard, garlic, and soy sauce. She also makes a giant pot of her Corn and Avocado Salad, which features fresh, sweet corn, diced avocado, and red onion dressed with a lime vinaigrette.

On the day of the party, Ina heads over to the beach to set up for the celebration. She sets up beach chairs and umbrellas and decorates the tables with bright orange flowers. Ina has invited a local florist to make a flower garland to hang above the food table and to arrange the flowers for the centerpieces. She then turns her attention to the main menu items, including Grilled Herb Shrimp, Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, and Double Chocolate Brownies.

For the Grilled Herb Shrimp, Ina marinates the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme before grilling them on skewers. The Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that is beloved by Ina's guests. She roasts the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper and then sprinkles it with Parmesan cheese before serving. Finally, for dessert, Ina whips up a batch of Double Chocolate Brownies, which are fudgy and rich and perfect for a beach party.

As the guests start to arrive, Ina tells them to grab a drink from the bar, which includes a pitcher of her refreshing Rose Sangria and a bucket full of ice-cold beer. Ina then serves up the main menu items, as well as a bowl of her signature Lobster Corn Chowder, which is made with sweet corn, chunks of lobster meat, and cream, topped with freshly chopped chives. Finally, it's time for dessert, and Ina brings out the Double Chocolate Brownies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Throughout the episode, Ina stresses the importance of keeping things simple and relaxed when hosting a beach party. She emphasizes the value of prepping ahead of time, buying pre-made food where possible, and focusing on a few key menu items that will make a big impact. She also stresses the importance of enjoying the moment and spending time with loved ones, which is ultimately the point of any party.

Overall, "Surprise Beach Party" is a fun and relaxed episode that showcases Ina's talent for throwing a great beach bash. From the homemade BBQ sauce to the fudgy chocolate brownies, the food looks delicious and perfectly suited for a hot summer day on the beach. Ina's tips on how to make hosting a party as stress-free as possible are also valuable for anyone looking to throw a successful gathering.