Now that the June gloom that actually started in April finally — finally! — left last month and summer is truly under way, outdoor entertaining is also in play.

If you’re keen to impress guests with appetizers that both serve as a delightful introduction to your party and can be prepped in advance so you can spend time with your guests, we have a couple that come straight from the reconceived kitchen of The Marine Room, in La Jolla. I spent time with executive chef Mike Minor to write about them in my new story for The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Food section.