Pump prices are again on the rise as we head into Labor Day weekend, but drivers are paying 27 cents less than they did at this same time last year (and are on track to pay the lowest Labor Day gas prices since 2004). So it’s perhaps no surprise that 55 percent of Americans say they are more likely to take a road trip this year. Want to avoid all the traffic and last-minute beachgoers? Throw your own Labor Day bash from the comfort of your home, complete with a menu inspired by local restaurants.
Consider serving a delicious, in-season Blueberry Smash, a favorite at The Parkway Restaurant in Bethany Beach. To make at home, put one tablespoon of smashed blueberries in the bottom of a highball or a Mason jar glass. Fill to the top with ice. Fill glass one-third of the way with Stoli blueberry vodka. Top with sour mix and a splash of club soda. Garnish with blueberries and fresh mint.
Or, try the Sagamore Blueberry Lemonade served at Bethany Blues. The restaurant’s Lewes location will be serving it with blackberries this weekend, which is a delicious alternative. To make at home, combine 2 ounces of Sagamore Rye Whiskey, 1.5 ounces of blueberry- or blackberry-infused simple syrup, and the juice of one fresh-squeezed lemon. Top with lemon-lime soda or club soda, and serve in a pint glass with ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.
And now, for the menu …
Starters
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Grilled Watermelon Salad
Bright and refreshing.
Five-Pepper Deviled Eggs
Sure to be crowd-pleasers.
Mains
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Grilled Tilapia with Quinoa Salad and Parsley Vinaigrette
A light yet flavor-packed fish dish.
Portobello Panini
A simple, tasty alternative to burgers.
Desserts
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Lemon Cheesecake
A luscious recipe from Tom Hannum, chef-owner of Buckley’s Tavern.
Summer Berry Cobbler
The perfect end-of-summer dessert, courtesy of the chefs at Cantwell’s Tavern.
