Memorial Day Weekend - Drinks Anyone?

Memorial Day – the unofficial start of summer – a great reason to blog! I know it has been a while, but this is worth the wait. This is the weekend that if you are not hosting a barbecue, you are invited to one. That’s what we do on Memorial Day, remember the sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom and celebrate that freedom with friends and a grill!

So, you have been invited to the barbecue, you have picked out your best plaid shorts and you are ready to go. Jump in the car and…wait…are you going to pick up some snacks? A 12 pack? A nice bottle of wine based on the label (I know, we all do it…)? So is everyone else! If you want to distinguish yourself and make a real impression at the barbecue, check out the following. Beverages that get noticed!

Beach House Sangria*
- ½ cup tequila
- ½ cup brandy
- ½ triple sec
- 4 cups lemonade
- 2 cups Sprite/7UP
- 1 bottle Merlot wine
- Diced fruit (apples, pears, oranges, etc)
- Sugar to taste
- Ice
*A good friend of mine gave me this recipe and I will forever be grateful!


Summer Orange Cooler
- ½ cup tequila
- ½ cup brandy
- ½ triple sec
- 24 oz (2 cans) orange soda (diet works too)
- 1 bottle Moscato wine
- Diced fruit (apples, pears, oranges, etc)
- Ice

Enjoy your barbecue and happy summer to all!

Tick Tock - A Top New Jersey Diner

A weekend in New Jersey means a trip to the diner for breakfast. If you have not been to a Jersey diner, it’s an experience. In New Jersey, a diner is part of the local culture. You can get a feel for the town by the people sitting around you…not to mention that you can order anything from pancakes to chicken sandwiches or pot roast at any hour of the day or night. I have done a good amount of traveling around the country and have to say (in my bias opinion), New Jersey diners are the best in the country.

This weekend’s trip was to the Tick Tock Diner in Clifton. A place famous both in New Jersey and in the diner community as a whole. This restaurant was profiled on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Check out the link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/the-new-jersey-diner-tour/index.html. After my first trip there, I knew why.

While the classic diner rule of keeping the good food coming and the hot coffee pouring – this place takes it to the next level. Disco Fries, Three-Tier Burgers and the classic Route 3 Traffic Jam – All Classics! This morning, the girl and I went with the Mexican Omelets and were not disappointed. The blend of eggs, cheese and jalapeno peppers was what I needed to start my weekend. Now, with a full stomach and more coffee than necessary, I was ready to face the world!

If you get the chance to make it to Clifton, I recommend the Tick Tock Diner.