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pot luck

“July 4th Party Planner”

Got July 4th Plans? If you’re planning on being in the city for the fireworks, here’s a list of restaurants running specials for our country’s 232nd Birthday.

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 beef (not vegetarian), but made with no creepy stuff like hormones or antibiotcis),
Grass-fed burgers, Maryland crab rolls on 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 pot 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, ½ 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.

Here’s to a delicious Fourth of July (and a great new year for our country)!

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Posted: June 29, 2008

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