Every great summer gathering has one thing in common: good food shared with good company. While the setting might be a backyard, a patio overlooking the water or a table filled with family and friends, the best menus are often the simplest ones — built around fresh, seasonal ingredients and dishes designed to bring people together.

For chef Oscar Trejo, of 1609 at Hamilton Princess, summer entertaining isn't about creating an elaborate feast. It's about celebrating Bermuda's incredible local ingredients, preparing food that allows the host to spend time with guests and creating an atmosphere people will remember long after the last plate has been cleared.

“If you were hosting the ultimate Bermuda summer gathering at home, what would your ideal menu look like?” It's a question Mr Trejo doesn't hesitate to answer.

His perfect evening begins with a refreshing welcome cocktail inspired by Bermuda's signature Dark 'n Stormy, infused with fresh passion fruit and lime to give it a bright, tropical twist.

For the starter, he'd serve a citrus-cured local wahoo tostada topped with avocado, cilantro and a touch of Scotch bonnet pepper — a dish that captures the freshness of Bermuda while introducing guests to bold Caribbean and Latin American flavours.

The centrepiece of the meal would be a whole grilled local snapper served family-style with charred corn, roasted sweet peppers and a vibrant chimichurri inspired by Latin America.

Dessert would be equally rooted in the flavours of the season: a coconut tres leches cake finished with Bermuda bananas and rum caramel.

And after the meal?

“The perfect ending is simple. Good conversation, a sea breeze and a small cup of rich coffee shared with friends.”

While every chef has favourite recipes, Mr Trejo believes the true foundation of a great summer menu begins with shopping locally.

“Bermuda summer is all about freshness. Local fish such as wahoo and snapper are essential, along with sweet Bermuda onions, tomatoes, herbs and tropical fruits.”

Not only do those ingredients taste their best during the season, but they also tell the story of the island.

“They deserve a place on the table because they capture the spirit of Bermuda while celebrating what's available at its peak.”

Mr Trejo also believes many home cooks overcomplicate entertaining.

Rather than preparing numerous dishes that require constant attention, he recommends choosing a handful of recipes that can be prepared in advance and finished just before serving.

“I love dishes that are prepared largely in advance and finished quickly. Grilled seafood platters, slow-roasted meats served with fresh salsas and family-style rice dishes inspired by Latin American cuisine are perfect examples.”

The approach not only reduces stress but also allows hosts to enjoy the people they've invited.

“The goal is to spend time with your guests, not be hidden away in the kitchen.”

It's advice that extends beyond the menu itself.

“The biggest mistake people make is trying to do too much. Summer dining should feel effortless.”

Instead of attempting an ambitious multi-course meal, Mr Trejo encourages hosts to let a few quality ingredients take centre stage.

“Focus on a few high-quality ingredients and let them shine. Fresh flavours, simple techniques and thoughtful presentation often leave a stronger impression than an overly ambitious menu.”

For Mr Trejo, creating a memorable gathering isn't just about what's served on the plate. The atmosphere plays an equally important role.

“Great gatherings engage all the senses. Music, lighting, comfortable seating and genuine hospitality are just as important as the menu.”

He also recommends incorporating colourful serving platters, fresh flowers and dishes designed to be shared, creating a relaxed environment that naturally encourages conversation around the table.

Those thoughtful details, he says, often become the moments guests remember most.

If there's one message Mr Trejo hopes readers take into their own kitchens this summer, it's to resist the pressure to chase perfection.

“Keep it simple and cook with heart. Guests rarely remember every detail of what they ate, but they always remember how they felt.”

For him, the recipe for a memorable summer gathering is refreshingly uncomplicated.

“Use fresh, local ingredients, prepare what you enjoy cooking and focus on creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.”

Because in the end, the best summer menus aren't measured by how many dishes are served, they're measured by the memories created around the table.

If Chef Oscar Was Hosting …

Welcome drink: Passion Fruit Dark 'n Stormy

A refreshing twist on Bermuda's signature cocktail, infused with fresh passion fruit and lime.

Starter: Citrus-cured local Wahoo Tostada

Fresh local wahoo topped with avocado, cilantro and a touch of Scotch bonnet pepper.

Main course: Whole grilled local snapper

Served family-style with charred corn, roasted sweet peppers and a vibrant Latin-inspired chimichurri.

Dessert: Coconut Tres Leches Cake

Finished with Bermuda bananas and rich rum caramel.

The perfect finish: Coffee, conversation and a sea breeze

“A small cup of rich coffee shared with friends” — Chef Oscar's favourite way to end a summer evening.