Fall brings a bounty of goodness. From crisp, blue skies filled with pristine light, to overflowing bins at area farmers' markets, this just may be our favorite time of the year.

To arm ourselves for the truly cold weather ahead, we create memories of days spent on the deck grilling with friends. So this September we’re having a grand cookout, complete with steak and martinis.

For starters, our rendition of the always-sophisticated shrimp cocktail embraces manzanilla olives, tangy capers and buttery avocado. Serve the mixture in a stemmed glass accompanied by crunchy tortilla chips.

Tender, grilled steak proves memorable anytime of the year. We love it accompanied by grilled plantains, crunchy red onion and smoky chipotle salsa. A side of refried black beans, made quickly from canned beans and a tuft of dressed greens help create a beautiful plate.

For dessert, our simple tart satisfies as much as apple pie. Mexican cinnamon and a few crunchy pumpkin seeds give it a new twist. So does a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

Let’s celebrate the new season and all the goodness it has to offer.

Fall Fiesta 2011 Menu

• Smoky Bohemia Martini
• Shrimp “Cocktail” with avocado and olives
• Grilled Steak with sweet plantains and chipotle salsa
• Refried Black Beans with queso fresco
• Romaine and arugula salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing
• Cinnamon Apple Tart with pumpkin seeds and quince paste