May 22, 2007
Foodsday Tuesday: Long Weekend!
Memorial Day is next Monday. This means very little in the scheme of commercial holiday celebrating, of course, except for the fact that it means a day off and, for whatever reason, official permission to wear white. And how, whether clad in white or not, do most people celebrate Memorial Day?
With a barbecue. Duh.
Unfortunately, five years in Philly haven't taught us any good spots to grill. We have our little Ikea grill that we can use on our fire escape, but we'd rather have a big picnic in a park with burgers and dogs and maybe some sort of faux-meat product for our poor, poor friends who don't eat animal. Problem is, we really don't know where to go when we've got the urge to grill. So we're looking to you, readers: where might we and some of our nearest and dearest set up camp--and grill--on Monday? And where do you like to buy the things you throw on the coals? Do you just buy pre-made burgers at SuperFresh? Organic hot dogs from Trader Joe's? Boca Burgers from Whole Foods? Do you go all the way and head to Esposito's for fresh ground chuck with which to make the patties yourself?
Leave us a comment and let us know where we should plant our grill and where we should get what we put on it!
Image via Carleton College.
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Um, not to sound like a bitch or anything, but to a lot of people, Memorial Day does actually mean something. Especially these days when we have men and women dying in a pointless war.
So, although many of us appreciate your article, you should realize that Memorial Day is more than a day off work and an opportunity to grill.
I enjoy a good hot dog, but I also respect the dead.
I completely agree with you, CB. I meant, as far as holiday celebrations go, it means very little: there are no Charlie Brown specials, no gifts to be exchanged, etc. The men and women who have fought and died for our country absolutely deserve our respect.
OK, then I suggest you considering modifying your opening two sentences so that they don't come off as, um, insensitive.
Fairmount Park up past the art museum has tons of picnic spots, grills you just need charcoal and fire for and fields for kickball. Huzzah! What better way to celebrate the nation's heros than a rousing game of kickball?
move to fairmount...save money and get a back yard...then get a charcoal grill for maximum flavor
mix up some ground chuck from reading terminal with your favorite ingredients (mine are burgers stuffed with onions, blue cheese, some sort of spicy red pepper, a good amount of salt and pepper. (For more $$ you can always get them premade at Whole Foods)
Grill away, put on Amoroso kaiser roll with Philly Fresh Spicy Pickles, tomato, maybe a little homemade mayo, and enjoy.
Justin, your description is too good. Now I'm really really hungry and need to go eat lunch. :)
West River Drive has tables, pavillions and grills.
Though I'm not sure if it requires a permit.
A bit further afield try Fort Washington State Park or Valley Forge. Both have plenty of grills and facilities. As well as decent hiking and biking.
Then, take dried shitakes and rehydrate them in warm water, stock or wine. Chop. Add in some fresh chopped thyme. Mix with good ground chuck. Salt and pepper to taste. Grill. Top with swiss cheese.