Ask anyone what their favorite part of summer is and you’ll hear a lot of talk of grilled meats, watermelon, and cold beers. We (and by “we” I mean “humans”) love a good cookout. Now what happens when you replace Uncle Jerry and his overcooked flank steaks? You get a meal at The Kitchen at the Miramar Pool Club at the Fairmont Miramar. Is that too many words? Probably. Say goodbye to shriveled hot dogs and say hello to Executive Chef Yousef Ghalaini and his wood-fired grill.

After months and months of trying to make it happen, The Kitchen is finally open with a cutting-edge Kalamazoo grill setup and a summer full of possibilities. Guests of the hotel and Santa Monica locals can enjoy beautiful private dinners featuring Ghalaini’s delicious Mediterranean fare. Expect wood-fired lamb chops, whole grilled fish, panzanella salads, and other Cal-Med favorites fresh from the farmer’s market.

If you’re a drinker, you can enjoy signature cocktails mixed tableside and delicious wines — even a few bottles made specially for the hotel. Adding to the fun, the property does poolside movies which guests of The Kitchen can enjoy at the Miramar Pool Club and they even have “frozé,” the frozen rose that may qualify as the trendiest drink on Instagram these days.

After enjoying a media preview night last week, I have to say that this is a delicious way to ease into summer.

Professional photos by Matthew Miller/Fairmont Miramar

Unprofessional photos by Fly&Dine