AlwaysPartying: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Maryse Chevrière — July 04, 2010

Winner Joey Chestnut raises his fist in victory.

Well, folks, it’s official. Joey Chestnut has eaten more hot dogs than any other one person will this 4th of July. 54 in ten minutes, to be exact.

At the 95th Annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest this afternoon, the American favorite clinched his fourth consecutive win, edging out Tim “Eater X” Janus and Pat Bertoletti, who took second and third respectively. The result wasn’t quite near the record-breaking 70 hot dogs Chestnut had hoped to eat (he consumed 68 last year)— blame perhaps the beating sun and 95 degree heat for that.

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AlwaysPartying: Happy 4th of July!

Maryse Chevrière — July 02, 2010

Patriotic Cupcake Flag from Baked by Melissa.

Freedom! Fireworks! Independence! Sure the 4th of July is all about celebrating our soverignty, but it’s also about spending time with friends and family with lots of good food. Consider, according to the Census, 76 million Americans said they took part in a barbecue in 2009. And supposedly, in this week leading up to July 4th we’ll have bought 700 million pounds of chicken, 190 million pounds of red meat and pork, and about 63.5 million cases of beer. Head swimming yet? We figure to eat 150 million hot dogs this holiday, a few of them at the 95th Annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.

From left: Pork Ribs from Checkered Pig at the 2010 BABBP, Melone cocktail from A Voce, Cheeseburger from All-American.

If you’re still strategizing your holiday weekend food plans, here are a few things to consider:

• To get you in the grilling spirit, review Always Hungry’s regional hot dog and BBQ primers. And if you need an extra helping of ‘cue, revisit Always Hungry’s coverage of the 2010 and 2009 Big Apple Barbecue Block Party events. You can also check out some burger porn, and if you’re near Massapequa and feeling like a real patriot, visit All-American for a cheeseburger.
• Because a good backyard barbecue is nothing without refreshments, try Always Hungry’s fantastic Secret Sangria recipe or A Voce’s recipes for vodka infusion cocktails at your party this year. Of course, you could also draw inspiration from Pulino’s appropriately named Limoncello Sparkler or Pocha 32’s Watermelon Soju.
• Don’t forget, as suggested last year, you’ll have to order your Baked by Melissa Cupcake Flag (pictured above) by Saturday if you want to show off your patriotism with one of their epic Red Velvet, Vanilla, and Blueberry cupcake displays (150 to 630 cupcakes, $105.00-$409.50).

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AlwaysInformed: July 4th Cupcake Flag

The Gluttoness — July 01, 2009

Whether you have a clam bake or a blowout barbeque, all 4th of July feasts must end with sweets, and watermelon just isn’t gonna cut it. You may be able to find a flag-emblazoned cookie cake at the grocery store, or special red-white-and-blue rainbow cookies at your local bakery, but there’s a better way to impress your Fourth of July guests: Baked by Melissa’s cupcake flag.

This patriotic configuration of miniature red, white and blue cupcakes is the perfect dessert for this annual party. The brightly hued vanilla cupcakes come with a map so you can easily arrange your confections to resemble our nation’s stars and stripes. The flag is available in three sizes and since cupcakes are usually $1 a pop, you’ll get a little bit of a break on the big day, and the more you order the less you pay. Buying 260 cupcakes costs $182. Larger flags consisting of 425 cupcakes or a whopping 630 rings up at $297.50 and $409.50, respectively. An investment in Baked by Melissa’s cupcake flag will surely up the “wow” factor, but you may find it difficult to outdo this spectacular spread next year.

Always Partying: Feast Your Eyes on July 4th Fireworks

The Gluttoness — July 01, 2009

This year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is moving away from the East River, opting instead to light up the sky over the Hudson. You can bet that everyone will be crowding to the West Side Highway just like they do every year on the FDR. Thankfully, there are a couple prime elevated spots to leisurely enjoy the show without having to strain your neck or throw elbows at your fellow revelers.

With breathtaking views of the river, the rooftop of the Hudson Terrace, just off the West Side Highway, will be a premiere destination for a panoramic view of the Fourth of July fireworks. For $125 you get access to all-you-can-eat barbeque and an open bar from 7 pm to 10 pm. Two hundred bucks will secure you a personal cabana for fifteen of your closest friends. If you find yourself in Hoboken, New Jersey, your best bet is The Chandelier Room at the W Hotel. The unobstructed views, festive menu and summer cocktails will make the perfect setting for an unparalleled Fourth of July.

If you’re dead-set on Saturday night dinner plans but don’t want to miss the spectacle, there are a handful of restaurants near the Hudson with outdoor seating. One of the eateries closest to the water is F. Illi Ponte Ristorante on West Street in TriBeCa. Andrew Carmellini’s new Italian hotspot, Locanda Verde is only a block from the highway (and serves an awesome seafood salad). Other options include Barbuto in the West Village, Los Dados in the Meatpacking District and West Branch on the Upper West Side.