Ample Hills

This little ice cream stand in Brooklyn Bridge Park has really fabulous flavors. I am kicking myself for not trying to sooner. (I had my first cone there last week after passing it a million times.) We had their version of cookies and cream, which was incredible. There was some spice in the cookies, maybe marjoram, and the ice cream itself had some salt in it. It was just really, really tasty. Some of the crazier flavor options were stour and pretzel and one that was bourbon flavored with candied bacon. I will definitely be stopping there again after our next BBQ. 

Balsamic Glazed Salmon on a Cedar Plank

This is awesome! Jamie and I picked up two cedar planks a while back and hadn't gotten around to using them until last night. I wasn't sure it would make a huge difference, but wow, it definitely does! It gives the salmon this amazing, smokey, camp fire flavor. It was so, so good and I can't wait to try it again. I made a balsamic glaze to put on top which complemented it perfectly. You just have to soak the plank for at least an hour beforehand and you're ready to go. 

Brooklyn Bridge Park BBQ

If there's anyone who wants to BBQ in the city but doesn't have a yard or roof for it, definitely try out Brooklyn Bridge Park's picnic area. It's amazing! Jamie and I went with a few friends last night and had the best time. There are picnic tables and grills that are first come first serve. I got there around 7pm and got a great table right up against the river and the nearby grill. You just need to bring your own charcoal, and they clean it up in the morning. It's such a beautiful spot to spend the evening. You get an amazing sunset (weather permitting) and once the sun is down, all the lights of lower Manhattan and the bridges are an unbeatable backdrop. I can't wait to do it again!

 Bryce lighting the charcoal

Look at that view! (Jamie had just gotten off the nearby soccer fields in this picture)