From the Coastal Kitchen: Beachside Whimsy Made Easy

Summer in the Hamptons isn’t just about what’s on your table—it’s about how it feels. The breeze off the water, the sandy feet, the sound of laughter over a chilled glass of rosé. And sometimes, it’s about the moment someone sees a lobster made out of strawberries on top of a shortcake and says, “Wait… is that a cake?”

This sweet little showstopper was born out of spontaneity and simplicity. We picked up a strawberry shortcake from Citarella—because why mess with perfection?—and gave it a seasonal twist with a DIY strawberry lobster crafted entirely from fresh fruit. No fondant. No piping bags. Just strawberries, a little imagination, and the kind of creativity that happens when you’re prepping for a beach picnic and want to bring something playful but still beautiful.

The claws, tail, and tiny strawberry legs came together faster than expected (Joe even figured out the eyes using raisins and birthday candles—dad genius). We brought the cake to the beach, placed it on a woven charger, and just like that, it became the centerpiece of the entire table.

Now that Memorial Day Weekend has officially launched the season, we’re already bookmarking this idea for future picnics, potlucks, and casual dinner parties. It’s proof that you don’t have to bake from scratch to bring the wow. Sometimes the magic is in the assembly—and the smile it puts on everyone’s face.

From our coastal kitchen to yours,

Jenna & Joe