Surviving the Summer Heat in New York City

GRILLING.

One of my favorite parts about summer are all of  THE BBQ’S!! Grilling outside, having one of everything; a brat, a burger and a hot dog. Wearing shorts and drinking lemonade (spiked with vodka?) or a cool beer…..The downside to New York City, only the wealthy have a balcony/porch/roof top deck, therefore having a BBQ is a bit tricky.

So make up for it by going to some of the best BBQ joints in town.
 
Plus, with the air conditioning your face won’t be sweating all over your coleslaw.

YOU'RE GOING TO NEED A FAN.

"I'd like an ice cold beverage please!"

Summer is just another excuse to drink cold beer with your lunch.
Not only that, but I feel much less guilty downing frozen drinks, high calorie smoothies and Mega sized margarita’s ONE THE ROCKS. Afer all, I need the extra ice, to keep cool.

AVOID CHAFING.

I’m a huge fan of the summer dress. It’s forgiving after too many hot dogs, makes me look more feminine than I actually am and requires very little accessories.

The PROBLEM with summer dresses is, after a few beers at the ball game, and you thighs start sweating, walking back to the car could be painful with those puppies rubbing together. HOWEVER. I refuse to switch to snug clothing in order to avoid it, so I suppose stop whining or follow what the professionals say:

Prevention:  Prevention of chafing falls into four categories: try to stay dry, keep hydrated, using a lubricant and wear the proper clothing. Lubrication before walking with petroleum jelly or an anti-chafing product such as Body Glide or Runner’s Lube

FIND WAYS TO WEAR AS LITTLE CLOTHING AS POSSIBLE:

• Work out in a half top and briefs
• Wear a half top and briefs
• Quickly flash people for an extra breeze of air
• Take off your shirt in the middle of the street to apply sunscreen.
• Take a trip to the pool. Since that’s the more practical choice.

MAKE POPSICLES

From Deborah Racicot of Gotham Bar and Grill

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 pounds seedless watermelon
1 pound cucumber
2 limes, juiced
Salt

Cooking Instructions
Place the sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Set aside to cool completely. Cut the watermelon into chunks, discarding the rind. Peel the cucumbers, and cut into pieces. Purée each in a blender. (You should produce 4 cups of watermelon purée and 2 cups of cucumber.) Then combine the two purées with 2 cups sugar syrup, and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any remaining lumps. Stir in the lime juice and a pinch of salt.

Pour mixture into Popsicle molds, and freeze for several hours until hard. The Popsicles are best made early in the morning or a day before serving.

Note: The Popsicles can be unmolded and stored in an airtight container separated by layers of parchment.