Sunday afternoon was one of our favorite events – the Labor Day Block Party hosted by Noelle Carter and Nancy Silverton. It is the one event where you are not only allowed to bring children, but you are encouraged to do so. A dedicated play tent, face painting and balloon hats were all available to entertain the kids. And some of the grown-ups.
The menu was a little heavy on hot dogs, ice cream, sno cones and BBQ, although we didn’t see quite the sugar rush of years past. There were also a number of dishes like ceviche that were perfect for the weather, but may have challenged the kids. Although toddlers nowadays eat sushi, so what do I know?
Dog Haus offered the Sooo Cali Dog, but it was with the super spicy Thai Red Currywurst. Haven Gastropub was serving up bratwurst and Freddy Smalls Bar + Kitchen has a lovely Boudin Blanc with peach mostarda and basil.
STK had a refreshing watermelon salad with goat cheese and mint. I loved the heirloom tomato biscuit. Rosa Mexicano served up an exquisite duck tinga taco and some of the ripest, creamiest guacamole I have ever had. Horse Thief barbecued a nice smoky brisket. We enjoyed Fred 62’s brisket pastrami sliders. Juan’s Restaurante, pre-Columbian cuisine, fried up an excellent cuitlacoche empanada. Coni’ Seafood created a daring octopus, sea snail and shrimp ceviche.
Rosebud Cakes served up slices of delicate white cake with poppyseeds and a variety of fillings. It was like all the fun of wedding cake without having to sit through a wedding. We stuck mostly with the ubiquitous bottles of water, though from the pictures it appears I had a rum drink. I won’t tell if you don’t.
