Flavor Buffet: 7/2/2021
Hello! Happy Friday. And welcome to the start of the long weekend for the 4th of July holiday. Already!
Most of this week was spent sweating and drinking an absurd amount of water thanks to the heat wave, but it has finally cooled off which is a glorious feeling. I don’t even mind the rain because it’s not sweltering and I don’t need to use the fan(s). I hope it’s comfortable where you live!
In honor of the long weekend, and the start of July, this week’s Buffet is a bit light in regard to seriousness. There’s a lot going on in the world and it is all important; however, sometimes it’s good to take a moment and read about things that don’t matter too much and to browse recipes you may or may not have any intention of cooking.
I’m all for keeping current with the news and being aware of the big stuff (get that vaccine), but I definitely encourage taking time off and/or away from the stress (if possible).
For this weekend may I offer to you some easy reads (how to make salad dressing, a guide to face mist), a plethora of delicious recipes (quesadillas, fried chicken, ice cream sandwiches), some local restaurants to check out, and a few products to peruse (they’re mostly in the “just for fun” category). I hope you’re able to take a moment to relax, unwind, and have a minute or two without stress. We all deserve it.
Have a wonderful, and safe, holiday weekend!
READ
Opulent NYC restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, has reopened and is now featuring an entirely plant-based menu. So, how is it?
Everyone should be making salad dressing from scratch (if able). Here are five great recipes for go-to blends.
I think we’re at the point in the year where I’ll start browsing for a face mist.
Speaking of skincare, I’m going to consider a few of the items on this list next time I run out of a product.
Is it time to buy a shaved ice machine? Maybe…
“I love food and fashion in equal measure,” states the article’s author. SAME. So I definitely need this laundry soap.
I’m all about eco-friendly packaging; therefore, I am very interested in these five wines that come in sustainable bottles.
COOK
Recipes ripe for the long weekend? Right this way…
My baking sabbatical may finally end thanks to coconut ice cream sandwiches with salty chocolate shell.
I could never sum up everything good to cook for July 4th in this small section so here are 109 recipes for your perusal. Plenty of inspiration!
Honestly, right now I’d love one of these crispy quesadillas (with a corn tortilla).
This may finally be the weekend we try to make general tso’s cauliflower at home. We’ve deep-fried once before, it may be time to do it again.
I must admit, I’m not the biggest fan of camping (maybe glamping?). But this dinner, all made in one foil packet, looks yummy. I’ll eat it on the deck. ;)
Well, while we’re frying, we might as well make Picnic Fried Chicken, too. YUM.
DINE
I’ve been scouring menus and restaurant hours for the long weekend and it seems that many are actually taking a few days off! Not to say that there aren’t plenty of places to go for a celebratory lunch, dinner, brunch, or any other meal, but a few I was considering are taking (well-deserved) time off.
So, our plan will be to shift gears, cook more than planned, and pick a few special spots to visit during the long weekend. Here are a few of my ideas…
Saturday brunch/lunch at Twist Bakery Cafe.
An early lunch (day TBD) at JT Farnham’s so we skip the crowds and get a good table.
On a different day, get dinner(?) or just snacks at Woodman’s because this summer is all about seafood for me.
I’d love to get breakfast sandwiches and cupcakes (for later!) at Crave in Beverly. Tip: order those cupcakes online ahead of your arrival time.
Get our taco and margarita fix at Lone Star; preferably earlier in the day since we’re old and like our choice of bar seats.
If we’re feeling fancy-ish, maybe we will pop over to The Bancroft for the first time in over two years(!).
And if we decide to stay in (but not cook), I’d love to order sushi from Sakura and watch a lot of TV. :)
SHOP
I bought a bathing suit (first one in about ten years) from the new-to-me brand Perfect Moment and I’m thrilled! Now, time to go to the beach…
Considering Frette hotel-style sheets to make sleeping even more comfortable. An investment, but less expensive than a hotel!
Very excited to begin using this vitamin C rose oil from Biossance. Will report back soon.
The J.Crew Seaside Short (linen blend) was a savior during this week’s heat wave. Currently on sale!
I would never try to rush summer, but I am excited to wear this striped cotton sweater. Could be good for a chilly night?
Enjoy!