Curtis BBQ -- New Eatery of June

Fun fact...I didn't write about a new eatery in June.

Oops.

But since I was gone for three weeks of the month I think I get a pass for being 4 days late.  Or at least I'm giving myself one.

When I decided to write about this place I realized that there would be no better day than today to post it.  After visiting their website I came to the conclusion that there might be no other place more American than this.  PLEASE look at the website now by clicking {here} to understand what I mean. 

There are waving flags for goodness sake!

Anyways, we encountered this place as we were on our way to Burlington, VT and had just pulled off the highway to fill the tank.  Our bellies were rumbling but we assumed we would have to wait until we got to a bigger city.  Wrong we were.  This place was next to the gas station and calling our names.  The food was unbelievable.  The ambiance even better.  Red.  White.  And Blue.  Orders were taken from a bus.  An older gentleman was cooking everything on an outdoor grill with his potbelly pig hanging around.  There were bikers everywhere enjoying a rib or two.  And picnic tables filled with happy customers.  Everything that BBQ was ever meant to be.

This my friends was the last meat filled meal we all had before returning to Boston and getting back on the pescatarian kick.  Kaston and Nick both had the pork stuffed baked potato with all the fixins' and I had the chicken breast smothered in their homemade sauce and a cucumber salad.  My mouth just started watering at the memory of our last "meaty" meal.

Check out the pictures, clean up your drool, and have a great 4th of July!

 

Meal Plan Monday -- 4th of July

Can you believe the fourth of JULY is this week?  Where in the world did June go?  Summer is supposed to crawl by.  Right?

In celebration of the upcoming holiday, today's Meal Plan Monday is all about food and drinks that are perfect for the festivities on Wednesday!  Or really for the rest of the berry filled/grill loving summer.  Yesterday I was feeling a little unprepared as far as possible dishes to make for our little barbeque on Wednesday...but now?  Completely over-prepared.  Is that even possible?

If you are feeling a little unprepared as well hopefully this will give you an idea or two!  Also, make sure to head over to the linked blogs and give them a friendly hello!  Enjoy!

breakfast

1. Berry Green Smoothie from Pinch of Yum
2. Blueberry Yogurt Waffles from Two Peas and Their Pod
3. Red White and Blue Scones from Two Peas and Their Pod

drinks

1. The Uncle Sam-Tini from Family Kitchen
2. Cherry Limeades (no booze!) from Good Life Eats
3. Blackberry Lemon Gin Fizz from (me!) Scarborough FoodFair
4. Boozy Watermelon Keg from The Kitchn
5. Red White and Blue Sangria from Recipe Girl

sides/salads

1. Watermelon Bacon Salad from Running to the Kitchen
2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from (me!) Scarborough FoodFair
3. Korean Style Meatballs from Spoon Fork Bacon
4. Strawberry Soup with Cinnamon Cookie Spoons from The Knead for Speed
5. Grilled Corn with Chipotle Lime Butter and Cilantro from Feasting at Home
6. Arugula, Potato, and Green Bean Salad from Smitten Kitchen

mains

1. Pork Sandwiches with Jalapeno-Cilantro Slaw from The Pioneer Woman
2. Pesto Portabello Burgers from  A Couple Cooks
3. Sausage on a Bun with Pickle Pepper Relish from Whole Foods
4. BBQ Chicken and Corn Pizza from White on Rice Couple
5. Salmon Burgers with Cucumber and Avocado from Inquiring Chef

desserts

1. Blackberry Raspberry Lemon Pie from (me!) Scarborough FoodFair
2. Lemon Mousse Tart with Berries from The Fig Tree
3. Fresh Mint and Watermelon Soda Floats from How Sweet It Is
4. 4th of July Popsicles from Itsy Bitsy Foodies
5. Hot Fudge Root Beer Float Cupcakes from How Sweet It Is
6. Cherry Hand Pies from Bon Appetit
7. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream from Sweet Tooth

P.S. - What dishes do you plan on making this week?

Rhubarb Ginger Cocktail

Is anyone else dying via heat?

I say I'm dying...but really I'm just being dramatic.  Sure it's hot.  But I'm spending these hot days by the pool...or by the ocean so.....I can't really complain.  And yesterday was a double whammy.  I got to spent a good majority of the day at the pool and then come home to have a few refreshing cocktails.  Not too shabby right?

So, this drink. is. to. die. for.

Seriously, it might be my new favorite.  I feel like I say that a lot but really this thing is good.  Have you heard of ginger beer?  Because I hadn't until yesterday.  And I legitimately thought it was beer until I was corrected.  Anyways, I kind of adore ginger beer now.  It's super duper delicious.  Who would have thought.  Combined with rum, the semi tart but a little sweet rhubarb syrup, and basil muddled in lemon juice?  Combination of the week.  Maybe even the month.

I know it's a pain that you have to make the rhubarb compote first but trust me it's totally worth it.  AND it only takes 10 minutes...so that plus the drink making is only 15 minutes out of your day for a few delicious cocktails!

rhubarb ginger cocktail...

Makes: 1 cocktail   Total Time: 5 minutes

{Printable Recipe}

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce lemon juice

3 basil leaves (plus 2 more for garnish)

1 ounce rhubarb ginger syrup {recipe found here}

2 ounces light rum

1-2 ounces ginger beer

 

 Gather your ingredients.

 Add 3 basil leaves to a glass.

 Add lemon juice.

And muddle until the basil leaves are completely broken down.  (And yes I understand that a spoon is not the ideal tool for this...)

 In a nifty shaker (like this one) filled with ice, add rum...

 Ginger beer...

 Rhubarb ginger syrup...

And the lemon juice/basil.

 Shake vigorously and pour over ice.

 Add a sprig of basil for color.

And you've got yourself a tasty summer drink!

 Enjoy it!

A few more things....

1) You should check back tomorrow for a Meal Plan Monday that is centered around goods for your 4th of July feast!
2) Does anyone have any recipe requests?  I haven't asked this in so long and I would love to get some ideas from you guys!  Leave me some comments!