Happy Independence Day

There are few things better than a day off of work in the middle of the week. Especially one with bright sunshine above, fewer tourists than expected around, and the company of two good friends.

I met my pals this morning, bottles of water in hand, in an attempt to fend off the dehydration that is likely to come on a 99 degree day. We made our way down to the Mall to check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (which last year was devoted in part to culinary America -- I was so happy!). As we dashed across the Independence Day parade route, M said she was hungry. "Of course," said our other friend. "Isn't food the whole reason to come to these festivals?"

I knew I liked him for a reason.

So we took a look around to see what we could sample. Did we want bison burgers, courtesy of the Alberta exhibit? Or maybe fry bread from the Native American kitchen. And we shouldn't neglect the New Orleans delicacies, or the Cantina Latina. The Big Easy chicken wings were delectable (how can fried chicken wings not be?), although the collard greens didn't seem to be cooked with pork (and they call themselves New Orleanians?) and the red beans and rice needed some more heat. We also tried the Native American fry bread, which was a tasty treat, and left me planning a trip to Mitsitam, the cafe in the National Museum of the American Indian, soon.

No sooner had we finished this bite, than M noticed some folks wandering around with watermelon. Not small slices of watermelon, no way. But larger-than-life hunks of sweet, fresh, juicy goodness.

So we had some.

Sitting under the shade of a tree perfect for a pinata, watching the kids go round and round on the carousel, listening to a bluegrass band, munching on the watermelon, and slurping down the mixed berry smoothie and mango lassi (courtesy of Indique)... a summer afternoon just doesn't get much better.

Happy Independence Day!

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
National Mall
June 30-July 4 and July 7-11