How did it get to be Labor Day weekend, and when can we start counting down the days to opening the windows and braising short ribs? I tend to get a bit crabby in August and September—weary of the humidity and lack of cool fresh air. Good thing I had business in Orange County, Calif., for a week; and, boy, did I find some fun trends to share.

Burrata cheese is the cheese in style in a new way, and I recently found some over at Whole Foods. It’s similar to a fresh mozzarella and ricotta blend, but when you slice it the inside has the consistency of a soft-boiled egg, only white. It is a bit pricey, but a wonderful addition to a crustini with marinated sundried tomatoes or to use on a caprese salad.

Fig and prosciutto flatbreads are going to continue on the scene, so look for them as paninis and with toppings like Gorgonzola. Of course, California is usually two years ahead of the South, so be a trendsetter and start serving them now.

Margherita Pizza

September does bring us incredible deals, and some of the best in town are over at Cosimo’s Too! Try the dinner for two for $29.99 per couple or the margherita pizza for only $5.99 Sunday through Thursday.

A great night of discovering new wines at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has a full Month of Discovery planned, with free corkage on your own bottle or 25 percent off a bottle from their new Fleming’s 100 list on Tuesdays, and wine tastings for $25 on Thursdays that allow you to try 20 different wines off their new list and some scrumptious lite bites from Chef Charlie Flint. Best of all, if you decide to stay for dinner that night, they will give you a $25 credit towards your meal. Now that is a great reward and a special night out for group of friends.

Wine tastings are the best way to find out what you might enjoy without committing to a whole bottle.

And I would be remiss if I did not give a toast in memory of Jack Fehily. Jack was our proud Irish restaurateur who made Patrick’s a Chicago-style scene where the likes of Carlton Fisk and many famous athletes joined Jack for a beer and the best burger in town. Jack was a true breath of fresh air, and he will surely live in the memories of many gatherings at Patrick’s.