Picnic under (and over) the stars

Though they're so popular now that getting in (and getting out) is an exercise in frustration, the outdoor movie screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery are still one of my favorite summertime LA events. We always pack a picnic, pillows and plenty of wine for a magical evening above and below the stars.

Chinatown, a fabulous LA flick, was the show on Saturday night, so perhaps dumplings and chow mein were in order, but we veered toward Italy instead. In addition to the requisite bread and cheese, we packed two cold vegetable dishes: caprese with roasted cherry tomatos and a raw summer squash antipasto.

The squash couldn't be easier or more delightful, especially if you let it sit in the fridge for awhile before you leave. Thinly slice baby zucchini or summer squash. Toss in some olive oil, pepper and chopped fresh oregeno or thyme. Then add freshly crumbled pecorino cheese. DO NOT add salt to the mix--not only will you draw out the water from the squash, making a soggy mess, but the cheese is plenty salty for the dish.

As for the caprese, Trader Joe's sells tiny balls of mozzarella that work perfectly with cherry tomatos. It's not the best cheese in the world, but it'll do--for Chinatown.