the weekend buzz

“Fourth of July Party Planner, BBQ at Huckleberry Bar, Picnics from Zabar's”

Friday: It’s the Fourth of July!

If you haven’t already, check out the Strong Buzz Fourth of July Party Planner listed below!

The All-American Backyard BBQ at Back Forty, 190 Avenue B, at 12th Street; 212-388-1990
Peter Hoffman is turning Back Forty’s backyard into an al fresco dream, with three dollar local beers (Captain Lawrence's Pale Ale), free watermelon slices and a festive a la carte Fourth of July menu of clams and oysters on the half-shell, pork jowl nuggets with jalapeño jam, grilled shrimp skewers with mint salsa, "Fearless Franks" hot dogs (those would be veggie), Grass-fed burgers, Maryland crab rolls in challah buns, barbecued chicken with Carolina rub and grilled pork chops with rhubarb mustard. To dress up your plate, there’s cole slaw, string bean salad with raisins and pine nuts, new potato salad with lovage and dill and, grilled corn on the cob with lime and chile salt. For dessert—strawberry shortcake, blueberry cobbler and root beer floats. Reservations are available for parties of six or more. Back Forty's indoor seating will also be available, in case of inclement (or just plain muggy) weather. After the feast, head to the fireworks, just a few blocks East to the river.

Blue Grass BBQ at Shorty’s.32, 199 Prince Street; 212.375.8275
Chef Josh Eden is also getting in party spirit, throwing a Fourth of July Blue Grass BBQ. The restaurant will be open from 2-8:30pm so you can come early and get to the fireworks in time. Shorty, err, Josh, will be serving a prix fix menu with burgers and BBQ, and the restaurant will have red and white table clothes, picnic baskets, beer in tubs along with a blue-grass band! Y’all come on over!

Sparkling Cupcakes at Batch,150b West 10th Street, 212.929.0250
If you’re looking for a dessert celebration, hop on over to Batch where chef/owner Pichet Ong is making glittery cupcakes complete with sparklers.

Lobster Boil at Elizabeth, 265 Elizabeth St., 212-334-2426
In honor of the Fourth, Elizabeth will be serving their lobster boil, normally only served on Sunday nights. The boil is just like you remember from days at the shore—a big plate stocked with lobster claw and tail, cockles, chorizo, corn cobs, and potatoes steamed in herbs and butter ($28). A side of jalapeno/cheddar cornbread is $5. They’ll also be serving a special dessert of apple pie.

BBQ Platters at Southern Hospitality
Southern Hospitality, the Memphis-style BBQ eatery in the Upper East Side, is offering two special platters for BBQ lovers (like me) who don’t have a grill at home. The Fourth of July Fireworks Platter ($29.95), which should also be known as a heart stopper, includes BBQ nachos, deep-fried BBQ ribs, smoked bologna, deep-fried pickles and spicy chilled shrimp. The Nation’s 232nd Bday Combo ($29.95), made for a family of four, comes with “Beale Street” BBQ Chicken, Memphis-style dry rubbed spare ribs, hand sliced beef brisket along with sides of cole slaw, baked beans, cornbread and Texas toast.

Clam Bake at Jane, 100 West Houston Street, 212-254-7000
Jane restaurant will be welcoming the fireworks with clambakes served the entire holiday weekend (Fri, Sat and Sun nights). The bake is a classic recipe that includes clams, mussels, 1⁄2 lobster, shrimp, corn and potatoes ($25).

Flatbush Farm will Cater your ‘Cue!
If you do have a grill but just don’t feel like doing the prep work, have no fear, chef Stephen Browning is here. Browning (of Flatbush Farm) is prepping and marinating a fantastic bbq spread made from free range, organic, and grass fed poultry and beef. All you have to do is take your selected menu home and throw it on the grill. Choose from: bbq pulled pork ($12 per pound), Italian sausage & peppers ($4 each), beef shish kebabs ($4 each), organic chicken legs ($3 each), 3 oz. burgers w/ brioche buns $3 each), and sides of pasta salad ($6 per pound), potato salad $6 per pound, pickles ($8 per quart), fruit plates $15 each, and buns ($8 a dozen). All items will be uncooked/marinated for home grilling, with the exception of the pulled pork, potato salad, and pasta salad. Please place your orders by Monday, June 30th. Call 718-622-3276 for more information, or visit www.flatbushfarm.com.

Saturday: BBQ at Huckleberry Bar, 588 Grand Street, Williamsburg, 718-218-8555

Every Saturday, Stephanie, Andy and the fabulous folks at Huckleberry Bar in Williamsburg dust of the grill for an afternoon of juicy bratwurst and cold beer (and more). The fun gets started at 4pm and goes at least until 8pm. Chef Johnson is on the grill working a great selection of sausages, burgers and chicken. In addition to the barbecue, Happy Hour specials are in effect with 2 for 1 on select wines, spirits and beers) and an assortment of afternoon DJs keep the party moving. There’s always a seasonal cocktail whipped up from strawberries, cherries, chamomile syrups and cucumber ice cubes.

Sunday: Grab a Zabar’s Picnic to Go!

If you’ve got a day of hanging out in the Park planned, but aren’t sure where to get your picnic needs fulfilled, Zabar’s has your answer. (Don’t they always?) They’ve got a delicious selection of picnic options ready to go; all are $21.98 per person and include cutlery, napkins, side salads like Cole Slaw, Cucumber Salad, Potato Salad, Tabouli and Cous-Cous, and are packed in a signature Zabar’s mini-tote. Your choices include:

Zabar’s Sandwich Picnic - Choice of a Zabar’s sandwich, a side salad, soda or water, an apple and a brownie.
Bagel and Nova Picnic - Nova Scotia Salmon with cream cheese on a bagel or pumpernickel bread; a half pint of fresh squeezed orange juice, water or soda; an apple and mini black and white cookies.

Zabar’s Picnic Salad - A Zabar’s salad, a French roll, a soda or water, an apple and a brownie.

Roast Chicken Picnic - A quarter roast chicken or a rotisserie Cornish hen, a side salad, a French roll, a water or a soda, an apple and a brownie.

A Riverbank Picnic - An assortment of Zabar’s cheese (brie and goat cheese), a French roll, dried fruits and nuts, an apple, a water or a soda and a chocolate croissant.

To place your order and for more picnic ideas and options visit Zabar’s online!

And that’s your Strong (weekend) Buzz for this weekend! Don’t forget to check in with The Strong Buzz every day for cutting edge news, reviews and events! Happy 4th!

Posted: July 3, 2008

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