Entertaining in the Northwest Style

Book excerpt: This colorful cookbook captures the contemporary Northwest lifestyle with an array of thematic menus: sophisticated beach picnics, a spring meal to celebrate the return of the salmon, brunch aboard the cabin cruiser (just as delectable on land). Greg Atkinson's uninhibited love of life and food shine through as he describes high tea in the garden or a dinner that draws luscious offerings from the Pike Place Market. The 14 menus capture the very essence of the statement, ''Life is good.'' and how can it not be with fresh Kumamoto oysters from Puget Sound, or Copper River salmon from Alaska, or herbed and grilled leg of lamb? Each special menu consists of five to seven recipes that, served together, comprise a memorable culinary event. For example, Atkinson's menu for a romantic summer dinner includes ''Matisse Bread'' or Fougasse, Three Shellfish with Three Citrus Fruits, Provencale Chicken with Tomato and Orange, and Chocolate Marquis with Saffron Cream.