Spring Has Sprung

Today may be gray and blustery in New York, but it doesn't matter. Spring has arrived, no matter the cloud cover and cool temperatures. How can I be so certain?

I went to a bonafide backyard barbeque this weekend.

Nothing says spring like a feast prepped on a real charcoal Weber grill. And, quite happily, my friends Maggie and Mark just moved into new digs in Carroll Gardens, complete with yard space sporting a few bright crocuses and said Weber.

The vittles you ask? Extreme I say:

*Various and sundry nibbles, including Hummus and Crackers and Roasted Almonds
*Two kinds of Sausage (skinny & fat) grilled to perfection
*Pesto Chicken
*Red and Yellow Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Basil
*Grilled Salmon slathered in Horseradish served with Tzatziki sauce
*Herb-Flecked Green Beans
*Grilled Asparagus
*Homemade Cabbage Slaw
*Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Grilled Sweet Red & Green Peppers drizzled with Garlic-Chili Infused Olive Oil (my contribution!)
*Grilled Shrimp in Thai Peanut Sauce
*Linzer Tarts
*Sour Cherry and Almond Tart
*Vino
*Beer

Everything was delicious.

And, NYC-centric as I am, I must add this: I think New Yorkers appreciate outdoor dining more than folks in other parts of the country, simply because of the lack of yard space available in the city. So, barbeques are particularly joyful affairs.

Besides, the men folk are always contented when they can play with coals, fire and meat.

Happy men folk and crocuses? Sounds like spring to me.