Fourth of July Grubbin'

A cool Fourth of July Food Station, Max & Me, 2003

As promised, here is my long holiday weekend of meeting and eating. I was pretty good in my never ending battle of the bulge by not over eating, staying away from starches for the most part, and even a bit of excercising.

Thursday, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Advanced Staging, West Chester PA

Excellent Burgers, Dogs, Potato Salad, Slaw, Caesar Salad and a nice selection of Desserts. A great kick-off to the holiday weekend, feel good fundraiser and great hosts in Steve and Donna.

Friday, Poolside Libation’s with Peter & Joanne Breslow, North Wales PA

Sparkling Wine, Coppola Chardonnay, Peaches and Plums.

Relaxing afternoon by their beautiful pool, nice brainstorming and hanging with the Breslow's.

Friday Evening, Opening of Rosey’s BBQ, Ambler PA

BBQ Chicken, Smoked Turkey Breast (incredibly juicy, maybe best turkey ever), BBQ Beans and Mac’n Cheese. Delicious, authentic food. Go here, or original location in Jenkintown.

Saturday Afternoon, Pool Party with Maureen Moroney & Family, Blue Bell PA

Burgers , Dogs, Chicken, Baked Beans, Two Yummy Pastas, Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese (deelish),

Beet Salad with Beet Greens, Tomato Tapenade on Croutons

Saturday Evening, Dinner at Josh & Lara’s House, Peahala Park, LBI NJ

Leftovers for me, Sautéed Flounder and Scallops over Jersey Corn Salad, Sliced Tomatoes and Basil.

Sunday Afternoon, ATT Golf,  Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA

I didn’t eat here, but we did attend the event, following is a review by my first guest blogger, golf lifestyle correspondent, Olivia Peiffer.

"I was in a private suite sponsored by U.S. Liabilities Insurance.  I was on the 16th green with full views of the 16th, 17th, & 18th holes.  It was literally the best tent on the course.  Most others had views of one hole. I really lucked out. The USLI tent was relatively large, air-conditioned, and set beautifully.  There was a balcony on three sides of the suite with high tops and bar stools so we could watch play on all three holes. The inside was set with bengaline underlays and a beautiful plaid overlay."

"When I first walked in, there was a very nice lunch spread consisting of: Greek Salad; Caprese Salad: Pasta Salad with Summer Vegetables & Diced Grilled Chicken: Mango Glazed Salmon with Basmati Rice and Pineapple-Cilanto Salsa, Hamburgers: Braised Beef Brisket with multiple sauces (I opted for traditional BBQ, it was phenomenal, probably the best thing I had all day): Cookies & Brownies and Mixed Berry Cobbler. I enjoyed lunch with a Grey Goose Bloody Mary before I ventured out to walk the course."

"By the time I made it back to the tent, the lunch spread had been replaced by some bar snacks: Peanuts, Chips, Cookies, Crudite, etc. I was very impressed that the catering was not only replenished, but the menu had completely changed. About an hour after the bar snacks went out, another round of food came out: Shrimp Cocktail with Orange Horseradish Sauce; Bagels & Lox with all of the traditional accompaniments; Pinwheel Sandwich Wraps. I was told that this was the fourth round of food that circulated through.  I must have been on the grounds when the other round came through."

 

"Overall, everything from decor, service, and food were so well done. It was a really incredible experience from beginning to end. The PGA went above and beyond to coordinate a flawless experience."  

 

Thanks Olivia, I will be visiting Olivia soon at The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company, a great bar and event space near Rittenhouse Square that is known for crafting amazing classic and updated cocktails. 

Sunday Evening, after golf dinner, at home in Ambler

Memphis Style Brisket (from Rosey’s), Red Beans and Rice, Tomatoes, Basil and Cucumbers (from my garden)

Monday Evening at Donna & Charlie’s Picnic before the Fireworks, Philly

Shrimp & Veggie Skewers, Burgers with Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Brisket (from Rosey’s), Asian Noodle Salad, Sandy’s “Regular Housewife Pasta Salad” and her Pink Lemonade Pie. My most up close and personal experience with a major fireworks display ever. Thrilling.

Tuesday Breakfast at LBI, before heading back home.

Josh: "No habla ingles"

Josh’s Baby Back Ribs, Lara’s Yummy Savoy Cabbage Slaw, Potato Salad, Watermelon and Cantaloupe. A fitting end to the holiday, I love leftovers for breakfast!

This was my first all-out immersion as a participant in the Fourth of July Holiday ever. I am usually working or else avoiding crowds at all costs. I really enjoyed it, but I think going to the beach three separate times, even though the drive was long, helped keep me sane. It really is a great holiday, the complete celebration of America and it's favorite summer foods.