If you missed your family’s annual Memorial Day barbecue this year, don’t fret, ‘cause we’ve got some ‘cue for two!
twoDINE: Blue Smoke
When the barbecue craving calls, your answer is just around the corner at Blue Smoke, an airy bar and restaurant serving authentic pit barbecue just off Park Avenue. The enticing smell when you walk in, and the big stacks of firewood outside the kitchen, assure you that you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a Kansas City Ribs fan or devoted to Memphis Baby Backs, you’ll find something here that satisfies. We tried the Texas Salt & Pepper Beef Ribs, and they were heaven. Blue Smoke also has a delicious Seared Atlantic Salmon or a “Veg Out” with Buttered Green Beans, Creamed Spinach, Mashed Potatoes, Okra Stew, Sweet Potato Fries, and Cornbread, so no one will be left out of the down home fun.
End with their mouth-watering Bourbon Pecan Pie, and you’ll know you’ve found a new holiday tradition.
Blue Smoke, 116 E. 27th St., NY, NY 10016; (212) 447-7733
twoDRINK: Tabla
This night won’t end without getting your hands dirty, so call it a night with a little high style. Drinks at Tabla in their outdoor Bread Bar across from Madison Square Park makes for perfect people watching. Try the Masala Mary, with Indian spiced tomato juice, Ketel One, and Chef Floyd’s spectacular pickled onions, or the Pomegranate Gimlet, with pomegranate juice, Plymouth Gin, and fresh lime juice.
Tabla, 11 Madison Ave., NY, NY 10010; (212) 889-0667
