Can you feel it? There’s the slightest of nips in the air, here in Miami. I noticed it, perfectly, on a distant Sunday- the first day of Fall. It’s a subtle change, but the air’s a little drier, the breeze a little breezier. It’s finally Fall, y’all! Miami-style, but Fall just the same.

If you really want to get in the Fall mood, head over to your nearest Trader Joe’s. It’s like a Fall explosion in there. The scent of Cinnamon Brooms hits you as you enter and then you’re greeted by a riot of fall colored Mums and stacks of Pumpkins and Gourds. To start with, there is Pumpkin EVERYTHING at Trader Joes.

In the expected ways- of Pancake Mix and Cookies, but also Ravioli (I tried it- too sweet), Muffins, Croissants, Bagels, Overnight Oats and Hold the Cone Ice Cream- but also cold brew, candles, hand cream and even dog treats. Apple Cider items are running a close Fall second with spiced and sparkling apple cider and apple cider donuts. I couldn’t resist a big pumpkin, as they were only $4.99 each. I love going to Trader Joe’s and always leave happier than when I entered.

I started this post weeks ago, but life has gotten in the way.

That nip in the air has turned, once again, into a steady downpour of rain and another Hurricane (Milton) is on the way. I have several friends who were in North Carolina for Hurricane Helene and, although everyone is fine, it’s never fun to go without power, internet and cell service.

My heart goes out to the people in Asheville, North Carolina. We were there just about a year ago and had lunch at a BBQ place in the River Arts District, which, according to reports, has been devastated, with 80% of the buildings damaged. As anyone who went through Hurricane Andrew knows, it’s a long road back to normalcy. And, of course, many other states were hit by Hurricane Helene.

The other night, on a Monday, I invited our friends Martha and Luis over for dinner, since their kitchen is getting redone. I decided to do a Meatless Monday, since I usually try to go without meat on Mondays. Zeke suggested getting some pate or chicken to go with our meatless meal, but I told him no. I was determined to serve a delicious Vegetarian Meal. Not vegan, mind you. That’s way too hard!

I’d already made an Asparagus Fennel Soup (Ina), so that was our first course, served with sour cream and homemade croutons. I took some store bought hummus and blended it with a roasted beet that was lingering in the fridge, for a beautiful appetizer (worthy of Halloween), with crackers and vegetables. For a salad dish, I served Ina’s Orzo with Roasted Vegetables (leftover from tailgate) over watercress lettuce, with a lemon dressing.

The main course was Thomas Keller’s Roasted Zucchini, which I’ve made many times before. It looks beautiful and tastes delicious, although I should’ve cooked it a little longer. It should be softish and it was a little firm. Thomas Keller, who taught this recipe in Master Class, tops the zucchini with a sauce but I topped it with pesto, pine nuts and fresh burrata.

Dessert was my old favorite- Labneh Ice Cream– but served with roasted, cinnamon sugar peaches and crushed pistachio. As Dame Maggie Smith says in Gosford Park “Yummy, yummy!” Or as Martha texted me the next day: “Thank you for a wonderful meal and evening. I can always count on you to be the perfect friend.”

Not perfect by any means, but I understand that friends appreciate a home-cooked meal after eating out so many nights. Speaking of which, there’s an article in the New York Times today about the options eating at restaurants as a vegetarian in New York City. Not as easy (or interesting) as you would expect, but we’ve come a long way from only having a steamed vegetable plate or sad salad as non-meat options.

Zeke and I have been trying restaurants in different neighborhoods in Miami lately. Spurred on by Miami Spice for August and September, we’ve kept it going and tried La Natural in the Little River District Saturday night. It’s mostly a pizza place and WAY too noisy, but we did try some interesting vegetable starters- Wood Fired Cabbage with Sunflower brittle and Parmesan and Grilled Onions with Tahini Sauce. Both were very good, although some bread to sop up the sauce would have been good. And ear plugs. And pinot Grigio. All their wines were organic, not the kind we like and expensive.

Food and Wine ranked the best butters, because if you’re going to indulge in the calories, it better be the best! #1 Kerry Gold, #2 Vital Farms #3 President were the top three. But, according to Martha Stewart, her favorite butter is Vermont Creamery. I will do a test taste and report back. Butter Board, anyone?

Betty Botta bought some butter; “But” she said, “This butter’s bitter! If I put it in my butter, It will make my batter bitter. But a bit of better butter will make my batter better.” The Jingle Book

In the meantime, wishing you better butter; and try to stay safe and dry!

Up Next: Carolina Vinegar Sauce