The Errant Æsthete

While the beer and burger grabbing crowd will be hogging all the attention this Independence day, the EA thought we might add a little class and sophistication to this year’s festivities with a cultural cookout that a discerning connoisseur would appreciate. For starters, Grace Parisi’s Scallion-and-Brie-Stuffed Burgers are so lusciously and expeditiously prepared and presented, they should be at every table, grill or private picnic hideaway where true gourmands congregate.

In fact, this is but one idea for the discriminating palate this holiday weekend. Food & Wine offers thirty more quick-grill recipes with style, panache and just the right assortment of flavors to win over the fussiest of grill kings, with dishes like Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Basic-Caper Butter, Chinese-Style Ribs with Guava Barbecue Sauce, or for lighter fare, a Baby Leaf Lettuce Salad with Olives and Watermelon. And now that we all know the real secret about watermelon, [See EA 07/02/08] the smart host/hostess might want to add this as a last minute party pick-me upper. See the entire connoisseur’s cookout menu here. And happy holiday!