Hot Humid Happy 4th of July Weekend at Cafe Drake HRV

May no guest ever arrive at Cafe Drake HRV without the Sweet Greeting of Cuttings from the Garden.

Because that's how macaroni salad rolls at Cafe Drake HRV - plenty of mayo, cornichons, capers, red onions and snipped tarragon from the herb garden.

A starter course of Andalusian gazpacho.

Icy gazpacho was followed by beaten Brahmin rice pilaf with wild roasted salmon, mint and chile relish, banana raita, and mizuna salad. Dessert? Hazelnut ice cream with cinnamon prune cake.

Lloyd loves his Auntie Jen!

(above 2 photos) Arabella Page makes friends wherever she goes swimming; here, the Hudson River behind Cafe Drake HRV.

Best Friends Nap Together

All From the Garden of Cafe Drake HRV: Bird's Eye Chilies; Shiso Leaves, Rau Ram leaves, Salad Burnet, Mint leaves

Bruschetta with Artichokes and Piquillo Peppers

Burgers, Vietnamese. Lemongrass, Shallots, Ginger, Garlic and Cilantro.

Our version of Macaroni Salad.

Jen Ruske cooked up a delish storm during her too-brief sojourn at Cafe Drake HRV - blueberry buttermilk pancakes for breakfast and an insane flourless chocolate cake for dessert.

Arabella Page looks forward to many visits with her Auntie and Unkie.

Above photos: around the corner at Montgomery Place, Red Hook, NY

All photo props to Ben Terziani for above pics!