"fourthofjuly" news and stories

Photo: Michael David

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

With Independence Day just around the corner, we turn our attention to all-American wines for the all-American holiday. I combed through the Slashfood archives to find wines from all around our grand ol' country worthy of an American toast. Here are seven perennial favorites:

7. Before dinner, sip on some New York Riesling like Fox Run Vineyards Dry Riesling.

6. Howdy from Texas: the Becker Vineyards Prairie Rotie is a great barbecue wine, as is the (No. 5) Waterbrook Melange from Washington or (No. 4) Michael David "Sixth Sense" Syrah from California.

Three more grand American vinos and our new poll after the jump.

'The Beach House Cookbook'
Recipes by Barbara Scott-Goodman
Photos by Rita Maas
Chronicle Books -- 2005
Buy it on Amazon

Summer is a time for relaxing. It's also -- for those lucky enough to live on the beach or near enough one to be within arm's reach of it -- an opportunity to cook up some fresh seafood. But what to do with it once you have it?

Barbara Scott-Goodman has made a substantial mark in the flooded market of seafood cookbooks with her show-stopping "Beach House Cookbook," packed with delectable sounding recipes like Tomato-Basil Soup with Mussels, Lobster Rolls and Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shell Crabs. Using fruits and vegetables at peak freshness, Scott-Goodman offers up simple yet flavor-packed meals well-suited to the seaside.

What we tested and whether the book's worth buying after the jump.

• The Fourth of July has passed, but don't let that keep you from fixing these red, white, and blue parfaits
• Trying to find that elusive farmers' market in the Boston area? Try looking here
• A former Independence Day tradition is now marred by ecological and health concerns
• Cornmeal-buttermilk blueberry biscuits would be perfect dotted with a little butter and paired with an ice cold coffee
• Serve this fennel coleslaw alongside your favorite grilled items
• Next time you're eating and drinking on the go, grab a Flatterware Collapsible Cup from Uncommon Goods, made from BPA-free plastic.

Well, the Fourth of July has come and gone once more, and that means so has one more Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. According to Sports Illustrated online, the whole thing was quite a spectacle, and lots of fun.

The contest this year was won by American Joey Chestnut (not pictured*). A crowd of 35,000 watched and cheered, and apparently had to be entertained for about five hours before the actual contest. SI reported that there was a trampoline duo, a rock band from New Jersey, the "Bun-ette" cheerleaders, an actual on stage marriage, and a side contest for the kids (whoever stayed the cleanest while eating a hot dog won).

Sounds like quite a way to spend your Independence Day. The author of the article commented that most people only go to the contest once, and that's enough. I think I'd fall into that category. What are your thoughts on that?

*Update: that actually is Joey Chestnut.

Source

I know champagne isn't really that popular a Fourth of July beverage, but what about one that's red, white and blue?

Pommery is offering a real French Champagne, but the bottle is designed with red and white stripes and a blue area that has stars on it. The bottle is topped in silver foil, and looks quite nice. The post over on Cool Hunting that has the best image of the bubbly.

Pommery is aiming this Champagne, called Pop America, squarely at those in the US. Why, I'm not quite sure, but it comes in mini bottles at $15 each. The smaller size and reasonable price make this a good candidate for your patriotic party.

Source