Belle Meade, TN July 2026 by City Lifestyle

The Canadian Rockies with Vogue Voyage

Explore

Summer has a way of making us restless.

Maybe it's the longer days, the warm evenings, or the simple desire to break from routine. We start dreaming of mountain escapes, coastal retreats, and destinations marked on maps. And while I am always in favor of a great adventure, this issue is a reminder that exploration doesn't always require a boarding pass.

Sometimes the most rewarding discoveries are found right in our own backyard.

Living in Nashville, it's easy to become creatures of habit. We frequent the same restaurants, drive the same routes, and spend our weekends in familiar places. Yet this city continues to evolve around us, revealing new neighborhoods, hidden gems, local businesses, and experiences waiting to be uncovered.

This summer, I challenge you to become a tourist in your own town.

Take the scenic route. Try the restaurant you've been meaning to visit. Wander through a neighborhood you've never explored. Attend a concert in the park, spend an afternoon at a local farmers market, or discover a boutique tucked away on a side street. You may be surprised by how much beauty, creativity, and community exist just beyond your usual routine.

Of course, summer is also the perfect season to venture farther from home. In this issue, you'll find inspiration for both near and far adventures, from unforgettable destinations to local experiences that capture the spirit of exploration.

Because at its heart, exploration isn't really about distance. It's about curiosity. It's about saying yes to new experiences, embracing the unexpected, and allowing ourselves to see familiar places through fresh eyes.

Whether your summer takes you across the globe or simply across town, I hope this issue inspires you to get out, wander a little, and create memories along the way.

Here's to sunshine, discovery, and making the most of every summer moment.

Happy Exploring,

JENNIFER KAUFMAN, PUBLISHER @BELLEMEADE_LIFESTYLE

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Kaufman jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sophie Brock sophie.brock@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Stephanie Krejci stephanie.krejci@citylifestyle.com

Brooke Houser brooke.houser@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sophie Brock

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

James Mcdonald

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn how

3:5-6

REMODELING

$12.7M

In refunds returned to the community with $3.8 million saved in tax prep fees.

mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 7/31/26. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

A SMARTER WAY TO BALANCE YOUR WORK AND LIFE IN 2026

At bits & bobs nashville, we provide thoughtful, reliable support designed to simplify both your work and home life.

Do you feel like you need an assistant, but don’t have the resources or need for a full time help? From the old English saying, bits & bobs refers to the “odds and ends” we all need a hand with on any given day. We can tailor our services to your needs and budget.

We specialize in:

* ADMINISTRATIVE & SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT (on a monthly basis or project by project)

* PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

* CORPORATE & CURATED GIFTS

www.bitsandbobsnashville.com | hello@bitsandbobsnashville.com |

Elizabeth Moore & Laura Dale, co-owners, bits & bobs nashville @bitsandbobsnashville

I WONDER

TEMPLETON GARDEN AND THE MIIRO PHILOSOPHY OF PAUSING, LOOKING AROUND, AND SAVORING THE MOMENT

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES MCDONALD

Tucked onto a quiet residential street in Kensington, just a stone’s throw from the buzz of Earl’s Court, Miiro’s Templeton Garden feels like a secret the city has been keeping for itself. Once a rural retreat – and later home to the likes of Beatrix Potter, Alfred Hitchcock, and Agatha Christie – the neighborhood has long balanced calmness with London’s restless energy.

The hotel honors that heritage with a verdant garden at its heart, a green sanctuary where contemporary design folds gracefully into English elegance. Across 156 considered rooms and suites, a garden-inspired restaurant, and a cocktail bar built on a sense of place, Templeton Garden offers something the capital rarely promises: room to breathe.

This is the heart of what Miiro sets out to do. A new lifestyle brand with a growing collection of individually designed hotels across Europe’s most vibrant cities, Miiro takes its name from the Latin miro, “I wonder,” its doubled vowel a quiet nod to reflection. The idea is an invitation to pause, look around, and savor the moment. Guided by an ethos that’s “genuinely local and brilliantly considered,” each property is shaped by its neighborhood, carrying its own personality and a real connection to the community on its doorstep. At Templeton Garden, the stay is designed to feel seamless, intuitive, and effortless, so that the only thing left to do is wonder.

Photo by James Mcdonald

Templeton Garden opened in April 2025 as Miiro’s fourth address, part of a remarkable run that has seen CEO Neena Gupta launch six hotels across Europe in just 18 months.

The thoughtful touches are where Templeton Garden quietly wins you over. Among them is the Refresh Room, a Miiro signature found across every property. A clever space open to guests both before check-in and after check-out, with a shower, toiletries, and a changing area. Rounding things out is a state-ofthe-art gym, open around the clock and free for guests to use whenever.

These details are only the beginning, as the real heart of Templeton Garden beats in its kitchens and corners. At the center of it all sits Pippin’s, a modern British restaurant led by Head Chef Liam Fauchard-Newman. With 62 covers, an open kitchen, and seating that drifts easily between indoors and out, it’s a dining room designed to feel like home. Liam’s menus trade in nostalgia, leaning on locally sourced ingredients and foraged elements pulled straight from the restaurant’s own garden, then reimagining flavor pairings such as rhubarb and custard, and chicken and chips.

Meredith, the menu follows a “keystone cocktail” approach, with each drink built around one defining element – whether it be a color, an ingredient, a vibrant garnish – that makes each drink stand out. Many of those ingredients come straight from the property’s garden. The result is playful but never intimidating: every serve arrives with a joyful sense of irreverence, proof of how far a neighborhood bar can really go.

And for the quieter hours, there’s The Library. Set in a comfortable lounge that greets you on arrival, it invites you to settle in with a drink at check-in, lose yourself in a book, get a little work done, or simply watch the world go by. Its curated shelves celebrate Britain’s literary heritage, a nod to the iconic authors and to Earl’s Court’s own rich creative past.

“Miiro takes its name from the Latin miro, ‘I wonder,’ its doubled vowel a quiet nod to reflection.”

One more reason to time your visit just right: now through August 15th, Pippin’s is serving a proper Afternoon Tea on Fridays and Saturdays, a fitting, very English flourish for a summer stay.

Just beyond is Sprout, the hotel’s intimate bar, sophisticated yet approachable, with a streak of subtle, anarchic whimsy. Under Bar Director Will

With its garden at the center, its kitchens full of nostalgia, and its quiet corners made for lingering, Templeton Garden is London’s newest invitation to pause, look around, and wonder. For more information or to book your next stay, visit the hotel’s website.

@miirohotels

miirohotels.com/templetongarden

VOGUE VOYAGE

Redefining Luxury Travel

Tee It Up Indoors At Back Nine Golf

GEORGE AND CARRIE LUND HAVE BROUGHT THE WORLD’S FOREMOST INDOOR GOLF EXPERIENCE TO AN UPSCALE SPACE IN THE HEART OF BELLEVUE

Even though it’s tucked inconspicuously into a corner of a high-profile Bellevue retail corridor, The Back Nine indoor golf experience is quickly becoming a destination unto itself. The facility’s welcoming ambience and dazzling technology inspires golfers of all levels to hone their skills and immerse in a community of like-minded fairway fanatics. Recently we stopped by to chat with franchise owners Carrie and George Lund about the latest addition to Bellevue’s recreational and entertainment landscape.

BELLEVUE CITY LIFESTYLE: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN A VENUE LIKE THIS IN BELLEVUE?

George Lund: Carrie and I are Nashville natives, and Bellevue has been our home for the past nine years. As entrepreneurs, we were looking for a business opportunity that would bring something meaningful and enjoyable to our community. When we discovered The Back Nine franchise, we immediately felt it was the perfect fit—not only for us, but also as a great addition to Bellevue’s growing golf community.

BCL: WERE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING GOLF SPECIFIC?

Carrie Lund: Golf has always been something that connects our family. We have three grown children who all play, and some of our favorite memories have been made during a fun round of golf together. When we discovered The Back Nine, it felt like a natural fit for us—not only because of our love for golf, but because it offered something Bellevue could really enjoy and rally around. Tee times can be hard to find, and outdoor golf always depends on the weather. At The Back Nine, members can play 24/7, year-round, in the comfort of a private bay.

BCL: LET’S GET RIGHT TO IT: TELL US ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY AND HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO OUTDOOR GOLF?

GL: The Back Nine uses Full Swing technology, which is the same technology featured in Tomorrow’s Golf League, or TGL, airing in primetime on ESPN with current PGA Tour players. It creates an incredibly realistic experience, from the course imagery on our large screens to the way the ball performs in real time. The Full Swing technology provides immediate feedback, so players can see accurate data on each swing while still enjoying the feel of playing a real round of golf. We currently have 83 courses available, including Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, and all of the TPC courses. We also have Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers, North Carolina, which is a favorite among many golfers from Middle Tennessee. Full Swing is also adding 50 courses each year for the next five years, so the experience will continue to grow. What makes it especially fun is the ability to customize the round. You can adjust pin placement, fairway, rough and green conditions, and even weather. Because of that, members never run out of new ways to play.

CL: It really is an incredible concept, and one of the biggest benefits is convenience. A round of golf does not have to take the entire afternoon. Three or four people can typically play 18 holes in about three hours, and two people can usually finish 18 holes in about an hour and a half. That makes it much easier to fit golf into a busy schedule, while still enjoying a great experience with friends, family, or clients.

BCL: FOR THE GOLFERS WHO HAVE VISITED COMPETING FACILITIES, WHAT IS THEIR REACTION WHEN THEY SEE BACK NINE?

GL: Shock.

CL: “Wow!” That is usually the first reaction we hear. Our goal was to create an atmosphere that feels comfortable and welcoming—almost like home—where members enjoy spending time, playing golf, and making memories with friends

“You can adjust pin placement, fairway, rough and green conditions, and even weather. Because of that, members never run out of new ways to play.”

“I love hearing friends and families laughing, playing, and spending time together. Our members bring their friends, their favorite food and beverages, and simply enjoy being together around the game of golf.”

and family. I think we have achieved that. One thing members really appreciate is the private bay experience, which is not always easy to find. That has been especially meaningful to me as a newer golfer. I love being able to close the door, practice, and learn without worrying about who may be watching. One of my favorite parts of owning The Back Nine is walking down the hall when the bays are full and their bay doors are closed. I love hearing friends and families laughing, playing, and spending time together. Our members bring their friends, their favorite food and beverages, and simply enjoy being together around the game of golf.

BCL: WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL MEMBER?

GL: We’re seeing the most traction from someone who wants to improve their game, have the flexibility to play 24/7 and be able to pivot on that and bring their friends and families. The Back Nine is a complement to outdoor golf as many of our members belong to private clubs. Corporate memberships are also available as well as co-branding opportunities. For example, Nashville Collision Center is the sponsor of our Augusta Bay. And all of our Back Nine members are eligible to play at any of the other Back Nine locations across the country.

TheBackNineGolf.com/nashville-bellevue-tn/

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE SHIRLEY

the canadian rockies

Nashville's Perfect Summer Escape.

July in Nashville is stifling. You’re dying for a pool day, but even the water is warm. You need a second shower the moment you step outside. For those of us less inclined toward the outdoors, survival looks like movie matinees, snow cones, and indoor lunch dates. We are not suffering gracefully.

There is another world out there, and it’s up. It’s a vertical climb. We naturally think horizontally: to the beach, to another city to explore. But what if we think higher? To something cooler, with a drastically different experience from what we know summer to be. It exists. It’s the same month, the same world, just thousands of feet in the air.

Here, you don’t have to work for it; it surrounds you. Banff, nestled inside a UNESCO World Heritage national park, is wilderness that comes to you. The mountains are not a backdrop here. They are the entire context. Sidewalks exist in town out of necessity, but step beyond them and the wild takes over immediately. The air is different: cooler, drier, thinner. Your body registers the altitude before your mind catches up.

And yet, this is not a town for the exclusively outdoorsy. There are world-class restaurants with mountain views and

sun-drenched patios, afternoon tea, and a culinary scene that surprises. There are immersive spas where mineral pools and plunge pools sit inside castle walls while the peaks watch from every window. There are glacial thermal wellness experiences, curated trails of heat, cold, steam, and salt, each designed with a different intention, all of them set against the same impossible mountain backdrop. There is even a gondola that carries you above the treeline without asking anything of your legs.

Lake Louise stops you in your tracks. The water is a color you can’t quite name, somewhere between blue and green, so saturated it looks invented. At the far end of the lake, Victoria Glacier sits in plain view, and the two compete for your attention until you realize the full picture is the point. It is worth every early morning wake-up call: a quiet canoe at sunrise, water that impossible color, the glacier watching from the distance. The Cumberland this is not.

And then there is Moraine Lake. If Lake Louise stops you, Moraine Lake silences you. Private vehicles are prohibited; access is by arrangement only, which means the crowds thin and the quiet holds.

“The

water is a color you can’t quite name, somewhere between blue and green, so saturated it looks invented.”

Lake Louise

The Valley of the Ten Peaks surrounds the water on three sides. The color is deeper here, more intense, more impossible. It is hard to convince yourself this is real. Hard to believe it exists in the same world as a Nashville July.

Exploration doesn’t have to be outward: beaches, cities, the familiar pull of somewhere new on the same horizon. It can be

upward. To a world that feels untouchable, unimaginable during a Nashville summer, and yet exists, just miles higher than you usually think to look.

No hike required. Just the willingness to think higher.

Caroline | Founder, Vogue Voyage | voguevoyage.co | inquire@voguevoyage.co

Led by Dr. Allison Weiﬀenbach, Cortina Reserve Dermatology is designed for patients who want thoughtful skin care, direct physician access, and a relationship-centered experience.

Dermatology Elevated. Personalized, physician-led care in a concierge setting.

summer skin, solved

Dermatology's Dr. Allison Weiffenbach on why healthy skin starts with the right habits.

Belle Meade Lifestyle had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Allison Weiffenbach, the Medical Director of Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics, to talk about skincare in the summertime.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO GET INTO DERMATOLOGY?

Dermatology allows me to build lasting relationships with patients across every stage of life, from the earliest years to the most seasoned ones. The skin is a remarkable window into our overall health. Beyond the science, dermatology allows me to help people feel confident in their own skin, which touches every other aspect of how they move through the world.

SHOULD PEOPLE CHANGE THEIR SKINCARE ROUTINE IN SUMMER?

The short answer is yes, but the degree of change really depends on your skin type and concerns. At minimum, I recommend ensuring a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your morning routine and reapplying every two to three hours if you’re spending time outdoors. Summer heat and humidity also call for a lighter moisturizer- swapping to a gel-based or oil-free formula can make a big difference. For those who struggle with melasma, summer sun can be a major trigger, and adding in a product with tranexamic acid or hydroquinone is beneficial. For my acne-prone patients, this is the season

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I swear by a hypochlorous acid spray. It’s a gentle yet powerful way to calm breakouts that can be triggered by heat and sweat.

ARE THERE ANY INGREDIENTS (LIKE RETINOL OR AHAS) PEOPLE SHOULD BE MORE CAREFUL WITH IN THE SUMMERTIME?

My philosophy is simple - don’t abandon your routine just because the calendar changes. Retinol and AHA/BHA products remain completely safe in the summer, with one key rule: reserve them for your evening routine. These ingredients can increase sun sensitivity, so applying them at night and following with a broad-spectrum SPF every morning is really all the protection you need. Pair that with a gentle cleanser in the morning, and there’s no reason to press pause on the ingredients doing the most work for your skin.

Cortina

“A trusted dermatologist is not a luxury. They are one of the best investments you can make in the long-term health, quality, and longevity of your skin.”

— Dr. Allison Weiffenbach

HOW OFTEN SHOULD PEOPLE BE REAPPLYING SUNSCREEN, AND WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES YOU SEE?

As a general rule, reapplication every two to three hours during direct sun exposure is what I recommend - and more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. But the mistakes I see far more often than skipping reapplication are the ones people don’t even realize they’re making.

The first is treating sunscreen as a standalone solution. Sun-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiables during the summer months. No SPF alone can replicate a physical barrier. The second, and perhaps most pervasive, is the belief that SPF in your foundation or tinted moisturizers is sufficient. Makeup is applied far too lightly to deliver the protection printed on the label. Think of SPF in makeup as a bonus - never a substitute.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT DEGREES OF SUNBURN. AT WHAT POINT SHOULD SOMEONE SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT THEIRS?

Most sunburns, while painful, can be managed at home with cool compresses, gentle moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. However, the moment a sunburn begins causing systemic symptomsfever, chills, nausea, or significant swelling - that is your signal to seek medical attention. What you’re experiencing at that point is no longer a skin issue; your body is mounting a full inflammatory response, which warrants a professional evaluation. When in doubt, don’t wait it out.

WHAT’S THE SINGLE MOST IMPACTFUL THING SOMEONE COULD START DOING TODAY FOR LONG-TERM SKIN HEALTH?

Without question, find a dermatologist you trust. Not just any dermatologist, but someone whose philosophy and approach to skin health genuinely align with your long-term goals.

So much of what I see in practice is patients spending years self-diagnosing, chasing trends, and layering products without a real strategy. A trusted dermatologist is not a luxury. They are one of the best investments you can make in the long-term health, quality, and longevity of your skin.

BESIDES WEARING SUNSCREEN, DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SUMMER SKINCARE TIPS?

My biggest piece of advice is one that surprises most people - don’t take the summer off from your cosmetic treatments. There’s a longstanding myth that lasers and injectables are off-limits once the temperatures rise, and in a city like Belle Meade where summers are long, that mentality means months of lost progress. Injectables are entirely safe year-round, and many laser treatments are as well when performed by a board-certified dermatologist who can tailor the approach to your skin and the season.

A LOT OF PEOPLE FEEL THEIR BEST WITH A SUMMER TAN. IS THERE A WAY TO ENJOY THE SUN WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT LATER?

As a dermatologist, this is a question close to my heart - because I understand the appeal completely. The good news is you do not have to choose between looking tan and protecting your skin. My answer is always the same: embrace self-tanners and spray tans. The formulations available today are a far cry from the streaky, orange products of the past. And a professional spray tan or a quality at-home self-tanner can deliver a genuinely beautiful, natural-looking glowwithout a single moment of UV exposure.

@cortinaderm cortinaderm.com

SUMMER in Style

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY H.

AUDREY WEBSITE

HEAD TO H. AUDREY FOR ALL OF YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE NEEDS

After several seasons of beige-on-beige minimalism, fashion has remembered how to have fun. This summer is all about feeling good and wearing what brings you joy, so treat your wardrobe as a proud way to show off your personality.

The biggest mood shift is color. Bold, unapologetic, primary-bright color is back, a breath of fresh air after years of playing it safe in neutrals. You don’t have to commit head-to-toe, either. A cute, colorful purse or a candy-colored sandal does the heavy lifting, instantly adding personality to a plain white tee or your trustiest black dress.

It’s the little things that make a summer wardrobe stand out. Designers leaned hard into playful details: fringe that moves with every step, sequins and crystals catching the light, scattered bows, and seaside touches like shells. The easiest way in is the “personality

piece,” a skirt or top so fun it does all the work, leaving everything else simple. A little sparkle, a little movement, a little wink, and even your most basic outfit has something to say.

Fabric is doing a lot of the talking, too. With the heat climbing, everyone’s reaching for natural, breathable materials that feel good to wear. Lightweight cotton and rumpled linen are the undisputed stars, letting you breathe through a sticky afternoon while still looking pulled together. A slightly crinkled linen set or a soft cotton tunic reads as effortlessly chic precisely because it isn’t fighting to be perfect.

What ties it all together is versatility. The standout pieces pull double duty, sliding from a beach afternoon to evening drinks with nothing more than a swapped shoe. Fashion is finally working with your real life, not against it.

The theme of your 2026 summer wardrobe is a refusal to take any of it too seriously. Mix the soft with the structured, the loud with the laid-back, and lean into whatever makes you happy. haudrey.com

Summer Seafood Gazpacho

ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN

ARTICLE

A REFRESHING,

CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!

Ingredients:

(yields ~8 C gazpacho)

• 8 large tomatoes

• 1 large cucumber

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 small sweet onion

• 1 jalapeño pepper

• ½ tsp hot sauce

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

• 8 oz lump crab meat

• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)

*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.

This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!

Directions:

1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.

2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.

3. Mince garlic. Set aside.

4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.

5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.

6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few sec onds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.

7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.

8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an addi tional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!

Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.

Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.

Website: alyssalavy.com

Instagram: @alyssalavyrd