Erik Bruner-Yang’s lok lak, a sort of Cambodian lettuce taco now being served at Maketto’s residency at Hanoi House, is a perfect dish for these hot summer days.

Having lunch with Chef Art Smith is a bit like combining a family dinner, a gastronomic dream and an hour with US Weekly into two hours at a table. DCist recently got the chance to attend a lunch the chef was hosting at his D.C. restaurant, Art and Soul, where he shared some of his favorite dishes from the menu and all the stories of the people he’s cooked for that could fit into two hours.