WHERE DID SUMMER GO?

So much going on as the summer draws to a close! But I wanted to take a minute to thank just a few of the fine folks who've fed me - literally, inspirationally, even monetarily :) - in ways that have made this a great summer I will be sorry to see end.

First up, Cooking With Caitlin, whose Fried Green Tomato Burger with Remoulade at the top of this post last Tuesday was, sadly, my last opportunity to taste their food this summer. I've been eating Caitlin's inventive little burgers every Tuesday this summer when they've participated in Market on Fountain Square, including this awesome burger with asparagus slaw I blogged about here.

Tuesday Market on the Square continues through September, although last week, alas, was CWC's last outing at this season's market - my first jolt, other than all that back-to-school morning traffic, that summer has about run its course. Thanks, gals, for your big smiles and delicious food all summer long!

Next, for those of you who've been following the Culinary Smackdown cooking/blogging competitions I've participated in a few times now - Battle Lobster, Battle Picnic (which I won), and Battle Summertime Veggies (which I hosted) - a big thanks to Doggy Bloggy of ChezWhat? for his ongoing culinary inspiration, as well as doing a fine job hosting this month's Culinary Smackdown. Check out Doggy's wrap-up of the Battle Sandwich entries for some wide-ranging and delicious sandwich inspirations. I believe he drew in a record number of participants, including Anette of Krakilette, from Norway, who was this month's winner! Here are Anette's details for the September Culinary Smackdown: Battle Chocolate.

Dog upped the stakes for the August Smackdown by offering a $100 CSN Stores gift certificate. Imagine my surprise when the same day I learned I did NOT win one from him I also learned I DID WIN one for $60 from All Top Chef. If you're a Top Chef fan and don't already know about this blog, you'll find lots of newsy tidbits about chefs from all the seasons, plus terrific podcast interviews with each week's auf'd contestant by the fabulous Laura Kluvo, founder of Blogging Project Runway, which I discovered in its infancy and which inspired me into the blogosphere in the first place.You'll also find linkage to Top Chef recaps, including the hysterically funny ones from hard-working ATC team member, cartoonizer, and dialectician Minx Eats.

I also want to give a shout-out to Findlay Market and the team of stellar Cincinnati chefs (including Jean-Robert de Cavel, Julie Francis, Joanne Drilling, and Summer Genetti) who will be bringing their talents to bear at the Lunch on the Land benefit for Findlay Market September 19 at organically certified Turner Farm.

For more details, and a video from last year's fundraiser, click here.

Photo courtesy of J. Greg Henry of SippitySup.com.

Finally, if you're looking for corn recipes, you will find a spectacular array of them over at Sippity-Sup, who has just finished a week-long "Sweet on Corn" blogathon that includes:
Grilled Corn with Feta and Lime

Grilled Chicken with Raw Corn and Grilled Bread Salad

Seared Scallops with Succotash

Corn and Zucchini Fritter Stacks with Bacon and Avocado

Old Fashioned Corn Chowder

Fresh Corn & Sun Dried Tomato Angel Hair Pasta

and his final, knock-out installment, a savory Corn Brulee and Tomato Sorbet - hint, bacon is also involved! Go check these out. You will find gorgeous photos and outstanding dishes that just may convince you there's a whole 'nother world of things you can do with corn besides dousing it in butter.

Meanwhile, I'll leave you with this roasted corn shot I took myself. What are you eating as Labor Day approaches?